《Varcola》


 Arnfried鈥檚 Journal Mart 30th

    Arnfried¡¯s Journal


    Mart 30<sup>th</sup>


    I have arrived at Graugebiet shortly after the sun had risen, having left the day prior from Hafengelb. The city of Hafengelb was not far from my destination, Graugebiet and thus I did not have a need to worry over my donkey, Abelard growing tired or peevish. (Save when I left him in Brother Engelbert¡¯s stable) After hours seated in a row-boat, bent over the oars alongside four other men, I arrived safely (if at last!) in Hafengelb where the merchant sailors hastily prepared their wares for the early shop-goers. The first stall was occupied by a fruit merchant, preparing his odd, foreign orange fruits. As tempting as it may have been to try one, the price seemed fairly steep. The shopkeeper did seem rather approachable and understanding, despite my refusal. I pray he gets a good sale. Perhaps I shall return, if he is still thereupon my return in two days. This quaint small village seemed rather lazy and quiet in marked contrast to the busy life you are doubtlessly accustomed to Gr¨¹nmeer.


    As the suns rose higher and higher in the distance, upon the horizon, and it was still morning, I took my time with my breakfast. You see, I had found a couple who had agreed to share some of their bread, and lamb with me. The latter they boiled and simmered in its blood, and in a sauce made by grinding down and mixing red-peppers. This sauce was delicious so that I had a second helping of duck, in all it had a delicious taste to it, one that reminded me for some reason of my now deceased mother (though quite why I do not know).


    After this early breakfast, and my arms had properly recovered from the exhaustion inflicted upon them, after nigh on half a day of rowing, I took to the road once more.


    The walk to the small temple of Orcus, the Lord of the Dead, was a pleasant affair with the suns high in the heavens, a great many gulls and pigeons belting out their cheerful cries to one another. The local trees were big oaks, and ashes with thick trunks of an age that had long disappeared from the world. They dotted the landscape throughout the village, with large green birch-trees crowding together near the western coast of the small island so that there was a small forest there.


    My destination lay to the south-east of the island just near the quarry, where the vast majority of the stones used to build the castle upon the neighbouring isle to the west that which was known as Teufelinselburg. It was there that I was meant to leave for, however the boat I had hired to transport me to Dunkeltr¨¹binsel was not bound for there.


    ¡°I shan¡¯t take you there, not when duty pulls us eastwards,¡± the captain of the small forty-man long-ship said in his thin reedy voice.


    As I wandered through the town of no more than fifty or so people, I found the houses to be made mostly of mud-wattle and simple wood. The people themselves, were not of a rustic appearance, quite to the contrary they were charming and warm as they greeted me. To which I eagerly returned their greetings.


    Strangest of all, when informed of my destination after this island they all made the symbol of the lily, and hurried away thither, with frightened expressions on their faces.


    Alarmed and confused by this, I soon put it out of my mind, as I crossed over one of the smaller stone-bridged that bound the southern part of the island and the north together, just a little north of where the local temple was to be found.


    The impression I received from the temple upon my arrival there (as it was to the local head of that temple that brother Friedhelm had written to, at the outset of my journey south) was one that filled me with dismay. It tore from my lips a great gasp. Seeing the broken state into which the poor temple had fallen into, filled me with such despair that I felt trapped between anger and a surge of pity, for the fate that had befallen the temple. My sense of loss and confusion must have shown on my face, as a local who was walking past me, said with a grieving sigh of his own. ¡°It was once a magnificent temple. That one burnt down some fifteen years hence, and as the baroness did not wish to patron the rebuilding of it, we were left with this considerably smaller temple ¡­¡±


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    The weariness in his voice conveyed the same sorrow that currently shook the whole of my slender frame. ¡°What happened? Where is the douvard responsible for this shame?¡±


    ¡°Brother Reinhardt can be found therein the house, past yon temple. He does not like visitors. And who could blame him? He arrived here many years hence, from Teufelinselburg islet.¡± The manner in which he spoke now, was full of indifference and the sort of hushed fear, one must reserve for an unwanted guest, rather than the village cleric.


    After thanking him, I hurried up the path, past the temple to find to my disgust, the most shoddy, run-down house that ever caught my eye. It was in such shoddy condition that the mere vision was enough, to inspire a fury that made me almost seek to grind down the individual planks of rotting wood that kept the house together. The door was half hanging by one of the hinges, with the wood in such utterly poor condition that it appeared as though it might break in half at the slightest touch.


    The garden was vastly overgrown with ivy and weeds. Having spent a great deal of time helping brother Florentin with the garden of lord Emmerich¡¯s castle, this was to my mind, a travesty. Infuriated, and prepared to give Brother Reinhardt a piece of my mind for having allowed everything to have fallen into such shabby shape, I threw open the door. The door, when pushed, did not to my relief fall, but it let out a rather ominous creek, that put my teeth on edge.


    By the time I was full prepared to give Brother Reinhardt a good and thorough thrashing, along with a few choice words, I saw the state of the interior of the living quarters of the good brother. For his part, he was the most pitiable man to have ever been born in all the history of this world. He was thin to the point of being gaunt, with a small beard that seemed as though it might have belonged to a mouse. His robes which ought to have gone down to just below his ankles, were little more than rags that could nary reach his knobby knees. What was more was that his eyes were the most haunted ones that I have ever gazed upon.


    So gripped by pity was I that there was hardly time to take stock of my immediate surroundings or the anger that flared to life in the dark eyes of Reinhardt, who complained in rather reasonable bitter tones at my entering his home, uninvited. ¡°Who are you to throw open my door and enter though you were its master?¡±


    Embarrassed it took several minutes before the words needed to calm and reassure him of my intentions were rediscovered. Hungry for him to cease his screaming less others hurry over where we presently were, and believed me to be a thief.


    The rat-like man once calmed welcomed me into his home which, had for d¨¦cor but a small rotten dark-brown mahogany shelf to the back of the room, with three moth-eaten books on it. To the right-hand side sat a hay-covered bed with two thin rough-hewn coverlets made from rough-wool, and at the centre of the room, sat a table which had much in common with the shelf. The table though had a single copy of the Canticle, which was yellowed with age, and sat next to two plates, knives and three clay-goblets. Once I was seated, on a rather brittle that appeared thrice the age of its owner chair, he offered me some mulled wine that stuck in my throat. Not wanting to appear rude, I strove to hide my distaste for the drink.


    Seeing through my shoddy attempts at politeness, he gave a tight if apologetic smile. ¡°It is quite putrid, is it not? Most have tasted better, I am aware.¡±


    ¡°I do apologize, brother.¡±


    ¡°There is no need for such formality.¡± Reinhardt assured me, the very image of forgiveness itself his own drink as swiftly as possible. ¡°We are both sons of the faith and brothers in arms sworn against the dark forces of heresy. Therefore my home ought to be considered as thy own.¡±


    So saying he procured paper and ink for me to write my letter to the monastery of Eichbraun-abbey at my request, delegating the task of delivering the message from the Archdouvain in this manner to a local merchant he had to run after. This done, with the isle of Eschostinsel and its local lord no longer a concern of mine, I allowed myself to enjoy the evening.


    I soon discovered that the douvard of the island was a surprisingly cultivated man, with an incredible memory for old songs and stories. Quite how he had come to know the song of Veritian the last Princeps was a mystery to me. Intrigued by the depth of his knowledge, I soon interrupted him mid-verse (the fifth to last of the first part of the poem actually) ignoring as I did the arched look he gave me. ¡°How did you come to know such things when there are no such books upon your shelves?¡±


    The look in his eyes was now one of a man at a complete loss. Not exactly for words, but rather for thought or so it appeared to me. Visibly shaken he took some time to recover enough to properly answer me. When he did, he attempted to make it appear as though he could hardly remember. Somehow this did not seem likely, unable to pull the truth from him, I had no other choice save to let the subject be.


    He is now resting upon a moth-bitten flea covered bed, sleeping the uneasy sleep only the most troubled soul might. Listening to him, I could not help but feel a longing for home, and for your company Sieghild, which is why I find myself now seated hereupon one of his creaking chairs, penning my thoughts into this journal.

 Arnfrieds Journal: Giplean 1st

    After two days on the island of Dunkeltr¨¹binsel, whereon I received word from the lord Meinrad saying that he had departed, for the mainland. The baron in his letter informed me that he had received my letter, the letter that informed him of the Emperor¡¯s command that he ought to pay him homage, for his lands and castle. I determined thence, to write to the baroness Varcola.


    Another letter was hastily written, this one to the Lord Chancellor the Archdouvain Wolfgang and the Emperor¡¯s Justiciars to inform them of how lord Meinrad was en route for Kriegerborch. This done, it being noon, I prepared a letter for the Baroness, one that, upon the return of Reinhardt, I requested he find someone to take it to Teufelinselburg island.


    Upon hearing the name Teufelinselburg, the douvard stiffened at once. His expression became one of such utter fear, of a sort I had never seen before that moment, in all my life. ¡°What did you say, brother?¡±


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    Startled by his tone, I stammered a little, before I repeated myself only to add if a little reluctantly. ¡°I only meant; that I wished to know who was departing to Teufelinselburg and if at their departure they may be so kind as to take my letter thereto.¡±


    Still dazed by my words, he shook his head. His hands trembled as though he had been cast into the sea for hours, before being dragged out from the ice-cold waters. He averted his dark gaze from mine own, stating rather more firmly than the previous time he had been so evasive in his speech. ¡°There are no boats headed thither to Teufelinselburg or returning hither from there.¡±


    ¡°But surely there is at least one boatman willing to carry me there!¡± I objected stunned by his unwillingness to assist me in this matter.


    ¡°No, there is not.¡± He stated firmly.

 Varcola: Giplean 1st - Later - The Journey Continues

    Later


    After I left the temple for the port where all the fishermen came and went hither and thither from, to request transport from one of them. All were very obliging¡­ that is until they heard of my destination. Initially warm and welcoming, they subtly became anxious once the isle of Teufelinselburg was spoken of.


    Consternated about the reason behind their shock I was unable to press them on the subject, when one of their numbers spoke up in a surly voice. ¡°Do not speak that name!¡±


    ¡°I merely meant when I spoke of it that-¡°


    ¡°You must not utter the name of that isle! It is evil!¡± Another man interrupted in a far more shrill voice; his blue eyes no less frightened.


    Unfamiliar with such behavior, since I had as you well know grown up near Ackalburg, where there was naught to be feared, I did not know how to proceed. Nor did I know how best to proceed, as my orders from the deacon were of the sort that I had no other choice than to proceed. This in mind and several bronze coins in hand, which were to be offered up to the poor sailors and fishermen, only for them to be refused at once by one and all.


    Most were not unsympathetic to my plight, with several making the gesture of the scales, which is to say that they made as though weighing the air from right to left, thence over the heart at last bending the hand over their temple. This was the Golden Goddess¡¯s secondary gesture, performed by those who were either unfamiliar with the symbol of the lily or as yet disdainful of that gesture. Many were those who said to me; ¡°We will pray for you.¡± With one of their numbers informing me not unkindly, ¡°We do this to protect you, brother.¡±


    My persistence wore on one of them. The man in question was a stooped figure, with his hair grey as the hairs that sat upon his chin, and the tunic he wore. In the midst of speaking in a hushed hiss to his wife a woman near as old as him. Though he failed to captivate my attention due entirely to the presence of his equally grey-haired, plump wife who scolded him at some length in hushed tones to which he only nodded his head absently, in a repeated fashion. Quite what it was they were speaking of was a mystery, thought it was not long before I had, with my pleas directed to others amongst the fishermen present, thereon Dunkeltr¨¹binsel captured the attention of the two of them. The reaction of the wife was to let out a shrill cry at the sound of the name Teufelinselburg.


    Startled, I leapt up what must have been at the least several dozen feet into the air at the sound of her shriek. ¡°No! You must not go there!¡±


    Bewildered by the sudden appearance of this woman I had never seen before, my attempts to stammer out an explanation of my duties were interrupted one and all by her rather more heated ones, pleading with me not to go. So quickly and angrily did she speak, I could hardly understand her, though after a time her husband stepped forward to calm her enough, for her to utter more slowly, ¡°You must never go to yon island!¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked of the fisherman¡¯s wife, flabbergasted by her rather extraordinary statement, thinking her quite hysterical. Some of my feelings must have shown themselves on my face because she grew angry once more.


    ¡°Because, it is cursed!¡± She whimpered desperately, as she gripped me by my sleeve.


    ¡°Unhand me!¡± I must confess to my shame to have lost patience and unwittingly slapped her hand away from me, speaking rather more sharply than I wished. This was evident when she let slip a small squawk of alarm, with her husband quick to her side, wherefore he informed me.


    ¡°The isle of Teufelinselburg is cursed! None who have ever ventured whither have ever returned.¡±


    ¡°Truly?¡± I must admit to a sudden nervousness that had begun to find its way into my voice.


    ¡°Aye, only those with the blessings of the good Lord Orcus have returned from there.¡±


    ¡°Surely those of the Temple are safe from danger that are to be found thereupon the island of Teufelinselburg.¡±


    After some time spent in the midst of an argument over the question of how safe brothers of the faith might be upon Teufelinselburg, in frustration the fisherman concluded at last. ¡°Very well, I shall carry thee, over to the cursed isle¡­ for a price.¡±


    I will not bore you with the exactitudes of our bartering, I will only say that it took the better part of the hour. By the end of that time I was the poorer by ten bronze falcons (which I must confess was all the wealth on my person). As we worked the oars, and thus our way towards the other isle, a feeling of guilt overcame the fisherman, seated before me. His gaze never meeting mine after we left, that is until at last he could not stomach the silence between us, any longer.


    It was thence he at last spoke, if reluctantly so, ¡°Brother, if I may say so, you seem a good, pious sort, so that I must warn you that this is not wise. You must not go to Teufelinselburg.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°You know not the suffering that lies in wait for you upon Teufelinselburg! If you should so wish, I shall not only give back to thy coin, but add to it. Just do not go whither to the baroness¡¯s keep!¡±


    Incredulous that he should elect to once more attempt to dissuade me from my appointed task, I demurred from his offer though. It did not offend, as it seemed rooted in kindness and thus touched me even if I remained perplexed by it. The land drew nearer though, with every movement on our part, the green of the fields, the majesty of the mountains awed the both of us. My guide however, was by no means overjoyed by our growing nearness to them, or by the beauty that lay thereupon the larger islet.


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    Once we drew to a halt by the shore, the fisherman stiffened. His eyes were to fix themselves on the heavens which had become heavily clouded, so that all the land had darkened, and become covered in shadows.


    Bewildered by this change, and shivering because of the change in the winds I reluctantly threw my feet over the side of the boat, and into knee-deep high water.


    The fisherman reluctantly gave swift directions to the only town on the isle. Instructions that was as clear as they were strident. ¡°The town of Grautrauer lies to the north-east of here from there, to the west of the town you must take a paved if cracked road to reach the castle.¡± When I went to leap, he halted me if briefly so. ¡°Beware brother; do not travel after night has fallen.¡±


    He was to refuse to divulge why he felt this way, frustrated by his refusal to do so, in the end I leapt forth from the boat, and into the cold water.


    The village of Grautrauer was of a different sort than that which I had put behind me. The previous islet was one filled to the brim with people who were one and all haunted, by the very isle I stepped foot upon. This second islet was full of an air that was disquieting or ¡®akin to ice-water and brimstone¡¯ as the battle of Morfeld was once described to me, by Sir Witand.


    My first steps on land, in my soaked robes were hardly any more pleasant than my stay on Dunkeltr¨¹binsel, with a foul mood overtaking me.


    If fury was to be the chief feeling I allowed to rule over my heart and spirit in that hour, it swiftly faded after almost a day¡¯s travel. Where the last islet¡¯s bridges were in disrepair and houses were little more than huts, this island¡¯s two stone bridges I crossed over were finely built. Ancient, by any standards, the grey-stones however cast dark shadows over the rivers they stretched over.


    I had just crossed over the first of the two branches of the Cherna-River¡¯s bridge, when the sound of hooves striking as might lightning upon the earth resounded throughout all the land.


    Startled I was to leap several feet in the air at the sound, bewildered I almost threw myself over the side of the bridge. Only to see two horses dark as night leapt out of the horizon faster than thunder. Fearful that the rider, who was cloaked in a dark cloak, intended to trample me I very nearly did something impulsive.


    Thankfully the man on the horse-drawn cart came to a clean stop some five meters from the bridge, and waited for me to approach him.


    As I neared, I discovered him to be a heavily dark bearded figure, with long-fingered hands and a cold smile on his thin-lips. ¡°Brother Arnfried, it is a pleasure to welcome you, to the fair island of Teufelinselburg.¡±


    At these words I must admit that I could not resist a certain sweeping, doubtful glance all about us. Taking in our heavily forested surroundings, I could only once more feel a certain sense of dread. High-oaks and tall ashes, along with redwoods, birches, and all other varieties of trees loomed high over the land.


    Most trees in Valholant were green, grey and brown majestic monuments to the natural world created by the gods. Those of Teufelinselburg had seemed sickly things, bent by age and sorrow in a rather peculiar imitation of many of the unbent if melancholic Elves that still remained in the forests near castle Ackalburg.


    These monstrosities though inspired naught but a sense of oppression and trepidation, in all who passed by the forest. They were to cause such a sense of revulsion with their twisted, gnarled and dying shapes that for hours I had hardly dared to whisper against them. Regardless of the sense of wrongness that hung over the land, and the rage that they filled me with, whenever I so much as glanced at them. No trees, ought to my mind be filled with such darkness, or wicked intentions.


    ¡°I am indeed Arnfried, and who might you be?¡± I asked of the horseman who leant towards me, his breath sharp and rancid stunk of what seemed to me to be raw fish. There was a distinct air of misery and anger that clung to him as a cloak might to another man in the rain.


    Cloaked and hooded, he bore himself proudly with his nails now that I was closer to him, revealed to be gnarled and abruptly shortened as though some had been chewed, whereas on some of his fingers there were no nails, as though they had been recently torn off.


    ¡°I am Klove, servant to the baroness.¡± He said a hint of scorn in his voice, ¡°Now hurry along onto the horse, it is a short journey to the village yet I do not wish to take over-long.¡±


    Klove as I was to discover was a man of tall stature, with long untamed dark locks and a thick black beard, and the sort of gaunt appearance as though he were regularly starved. Yet there was a muscular air about the dark-blue eyed man, one that gave the impression that he was far more formidable than he at first appeared.


    This I discerned after he raised the hood of his cloak, shortly before our arrival into the village of Grautrauer doing so as he struggled to properly turn his head as he ventured thither. Worried after several children raced on past, keen to return to their homes their sudden movement caused Klove¡¯s horse to rear back.


    Hissing at them and cursing the servant did as mentioned, wherefore he urged me on, after him.


    Grautrauer was one of the smallest I had ever seen, with gaunt individuals who lived in squalid little thatch houses and wooden ones, which were invariably all in disrepair. The sorrow and darkness that I saw all about those downtrodden homes struck. Few were there who were outside and about, even in the middle of the day. Most that were, had abandoned the safety of their homes, to tend to their crops (for each home had her own fields) and


    The shadows of the houses were as wraiths, flitting and flying about so that all was darkness and all there was to be seen were men and women who could well have passed for corpses.


    Pity twisted my heart so that I could hardly meet their gazes.


    ¡°What poor wretches, to live in such squalor, why do they not fish by the shore for more food, if they are so gaunt?¡± I asked of my guide who took but a passing glance in their direction.


    ¡°Because the Baroness forbids it,¡± He replied with an indifferent shrug of his large if skinny shoulders. ¡°They once did, and had tendency to over-fish until they clashed with the isle nearest to us.¡±


    There was some sort of falsehood somewhere in his words, yet I could not sense where it was. Whether it was that they ever had the right to fish, the Baroness had forbidden them or that they had ever clashed with their neighbours I could not tell.


    With a glance at the heavens, just as the wind wove its way through the trees, past the village and thither in the direction of the north-west, Klove determined that we should stop for the evening. ¡°It is a long journey, and it might be best to rest herein the village for the night and travel throughout the morrow.¡±


    Startled, as the village did not seem particularly inviting, I trailed after the guard at a slight distance being unnerved by him and his domineering manner towards the villagers. He it was who swayed one of the local families, who lived in one of the larger huts, to host us, with it soon evident that this was the home of the mayor of the village.


    Situated in the stables next to their house, where their small skinny pony was to be found, and with my guide after having supped upon the fattest chicken the mayor and his family had to offer hurried to the land of dreams. Sleeping at the back of the stable, with his back to me, so that I was allowed a brief period during which I could at last chronicle my journey up to this moment. I could only thank Marianne and Saga, for having protected my precious journal and letters from the Archdouvain from the waters.

 Arnfried鈥檚 Journal Cont鈥檇 Gilpean 1st

    Arnfried¡¯s Journal Cont¡¯d


    Gilpean 1<sup>st</sup>


    The interior of Teufelburg was impressive, by any standards that one judges castles by. Some such as Ackalburg, were large and expansive, while others such as the great keep of Baugm¨¹nster were thrice in height and size of most keeps. To my understanding, palatial estates such as those of Guilladon, Lynette and Armand over in Gallia were considerably larger and grander than all those in Valholant.


    This keep though, built into the very rock of the mountain contrary to the darkened exterior that cast a long shadow over the land, the interior was warm and richly coloured. The walls were bronze in colouration, with rich tapestries hanging from every wall.


    These finely woven silk and wool hangings, told tales I was not wholly familiar with, though they seemed to recount legends and great deeds on the part of many great men and women, dating back to an age beyond that of Aemiliemagne.


    The floor which was made of fine white marble, and covered with silk carpets that were crimson with gold trimmings, leading across the grand twenty meter long and wide entrance hall. Such was the demonstration of wealth that I was at once awed by it. How could I not be amazed by the shimmering dungeon interior? The extravagance on display which made me think this place was more than a match for the Emperor¡¯s halls (not that I have seen any of them!) so that I hardly noticed Klove addressing me.


    ¡°Brother Arnfried, if I may take your cloak, and see to your leg before you are presented to the Lady Baroness,¡± Klove repeated himself when prompted.


    Blushing at having forgotten my own wounds, and remembering the pain that had once robbed me of my reason, but a few minutes prior I nodded my head ever so slowly.


    At present my wounds had been treated if ever so lightly, so that I might survive without too much troubles the hour-long journey up the mountain.


    Brought to another chamber, it was there where I was made to elevate my robes that my guide might treat the wound. Tending to it, he was to clean it and bandage it with almost tender care, so that I could not help but stare at him as he worked with all the gentility of a loving wolf-mother with her cub.


    ¡°You are quite skilled in the healing arts, Klove,¡± I remarked to the thin-lipped bearded servant of the Baroness.


    ¡°Indeed, as you are not the first wanderer to journey to this castle and to have become wounded I have had to learn such arts. They were taught to me by the previous clergyman who joined us here,¡± He explained to me coolly, with the politeness of a true servant. Admitting but a moment later, ¡°The wolves that live at the foot of the mountain can be quite vicious. Therefore, there is to be no talk to the lady of what has happened, lest she should worry.¡±


    There was a hint of steel in his eyes, of a sort I had seen but a rare few times before in my life. Worried and confused, about the menace that emanated from his gaze, I hardly noticed the door to the small darkened chamber open.


    Empty save for the simple stool and a few ale-filled barrels, the brief flash of light of a torch could be discerned ere the rasping voice of the lady. ¡°Ah, there the two of you are, I must confess to have begun to worry for the both of you.¡±


    The lady whom stood in the doorway and hurried hither to greet us, and welcome me to the castle was one who looked to be older than even Brother Benjamin, the eldest of the Eichbraun-Abbey monks. Far older than even the Baron Dagobert, to whom our abbey owed allegiance to, and who had recommended one of our monks to Archdouvain Wolfgang and Duke Meinrad for this undertaking.


    There was carved into the stone of her face the same hardiness that was characteristic of old Baron Dagobert, save where he had a hint of softness there was little of that in this haggard woman¡¯s face. Hard as iron, was her face one that might have been said to be cast in that very metal, with its stony and cold disposition. Armed with beady little black eyes, and a hawk-like nose, she had a striking appearance, one that might once have been beautiful.


    But it was not these traits or the rich red silk gown that drew the eye, but her thick-lips. Thick and blood-red, they were positioned over a short chin that had folds of wrinkles and flesh that separated lip from chin, and over all of this were the sharpest, most noteworthy canines ever seen in the history of Valholant.


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    I hope you do not mind my slightly poetic turn of phrase at this moment Sieghild, however it must be confessed that I had never seen a single man, or woman let alone any beast with such fangs. I must confess to have stared overlong at them (doubtless you would have scolded me for my rudeness, and in this I would have gladly accepted the reprimand), so that the lady gave me a slightly vexed look.


    Embarrassed by my own rudeness and visible repugnance I hurriedly bowed and to kiss her outstretched hand. It was clammy, ice-cold as one might have expected from a block of ice or a cadaver, I shuddered at the touch though did not retreat.


    ¡°You were late to arrive,¡± She remarked pleasantly once she had withdrawn her hand, her eyes glimmering with grandmotherly concern.


    Moved by this show of concern for my person, and taking pity upon Klove for having rescued me from the beastly wolves that had attacked me. ¡°Yes, we had difficulties with some local wolves, so that Klove had to come to my rescue.¡±


    ¡°Really now?¡± the Baroness muttered dark eyes I noticed now, shifted it seemed in colour ever so slightly, so that they were two of the most remarkable eyes I had ever seen. They struck as forcibly as lightning, and yet tended to draw an individual into them, her disapproving stare made Klove shrink away and filled my heart with pity for him.


    The storm-cloud passed and cleared away, leaving in its wake, pleasant politeness as before. ¡°Very well, then if such is the case, you must be tired I think it time that Klove shows you to your chambers. That you may do toilet, and rest ere you are served your meal.¡±


    Shown to my chambers, by the silent monolith that could well have passed for one of the gargoyles outside the keep, who torch in hand guided me through a dozen well-decorated hallways. Hallways that could only be described as grim, such was their tenebrous nature so that I could not help but shiver every few seconds as we moved through them. There were a number of statues that stood to either side of them, with each of them marvelously well-sculpted even as they were hideous to look upon. There were many tapestries that hung in these hallways also, depicting great battles, and fine feasts though I could not make much out about them, such was the darkness of the hallways. Each of the hallways though, were two meters wide, more than eight meters high and had dull red walls and ceiling, which must have been comforting in the light of day, but at night seemed even more oppressive and daunting than the wolves outside the keep.


    Klove, his manner serious, thin lips pressed together and eyes directed before him, as he guided me up a number of stairs that drew a pained gasp from me due to my battered limb.


    Once on the third floor, he escorted me past a particularly large tapestry which depicted the map of the lands of Valholant. I could make out the details on it solely you see thanks to the light of his torch and because we paused very briefly by it. Doing so, that he might unlock the door to the bedchambers given over to me, for the duration of my stay.


    Seeing my fascination with it, the older man remarked almost genially. ¡°The tapestry was spun by the lady herself. In the time of her youth, when she was still fascinated by the Continent, this was well before my time herein the Wyvern-Tower.¡±


    ¡°Any reason why the principal dungeon of the keep is known as the ¡®Wyvern-Tower¡¯ Klove,¡± I asked of the servant relieved that we could cease mounting stairs.


    He flicked a brief if passing glance in my direction, ¡°The name was given to the keep long ago, due to the wyverns that once inhabited the cliffs upon which it was built and that were chased away by the ancestor of the lady. It was I believe the Lord Bastian, who did this. He was a barbarous man though one of good intent it is said, and was even knighted by the likes of Aemiliemagne, with his being the first baron of the castle.¡±


    ¡°Really now? This I did not know,¡± I said having never heard of any of this history.


    ¡°Oh yes, brother, though most on the mainland remain ignorant of it, house Varcola is one of the oldest in all of the lands who speak the Valholantian tongue.¡± Klove explained to me at some length. ¡°Most houses from two and even three hundred years ago have since expired unless I am very much mistaken.¡±


    ¡°You are quite well-informed Klove, I am impressed,¡± I praised with the taller man demurring from my compliments wherefore I was to ask of him. ¡°Is there any place, where I might find more of this sort of knowledge? I should very much like to make a full study of the old barons, to share this knowledge with the Archdouvain that he might better receive her ladyship.¡±


    ¡°I shall inquire with the lady regarding this matter of yours,¡± He said though he did not sound altogether greatly pleased with the request.


    Shown to my chambers, where Klove dressed my wounded leg, wherefore he left to see to the meal informing me it would not be long. Left to my own devices in a small room, with a large bed with thick coverlets and furs to ward off the cold, and with feather pillows it could well have pleased a king. To one side was a simple square table, where I was to place my effects, which included a small bottle of ink, a feather-pen and my journal into which I at present write of my journey.


    I also placed hereupon the table my torn robes that I may change into a spare set of robes that I brought on the journey at the abbot¡¯s suggestion. One that I am most grateful for, even as I prepare to put away my journal and write now a letter that I shall send along soon (or so I hope).


    I have much to tell you Sieghild that has not yet been written down, but alas there is Klove¡¯s fist upon the door! Away am I, to eat at last and to in your words fulfill that duty which I am always wont to abandon out of distraction with other lesser duties!

 Arnfrieds Journal: Giplean 2nd Problem with Dreadwolves

    Giplean 2<sup>nd</sup>


    It was the following morn¡¯ that saw us devour a hunk of mould-covered bread along with a small slice of cheese and a bit of what remained of the chicken slaughtered the previous day. In all it was a more than satisfactory meal, though I should have liked to remain a bit longer to ask after the villagers. They all seemed ever so pitiful that I should very much have liked to see if I could be of any assistance to them.


    Often times as Brother Friedhelm has said, it is those who are the most desperate and in the most dire straits that have the greatest ability for compassion in this world. As I soon discovered, when the mayor¡¯s wife a creased, and wrinkled woman aged before her time showed greater worry for my safety than for that of her own plight.


    Saying to me, ¡°Brother, do not go that way! Do not tread up the mountain-path, where that beastly man would take you!¡±


    ¡°But I must,¡± I protested as I drew a small map of the island I had seen thus far, on a spare sheet of paper, whilst chewing on the last bit of bread dipped in beer as Klove prepared our horses. ¡°I swore to Brother Friedhelm, to deliver the duke¡¯s message to the baroness.¡±


    ¡°But you know not what awaits you in the ¡®Wyvern¡¯s Tower¡¯!¡± She said all a-tremble with fright to my consternation.


    This was not to be the sole time when I was to bear witness to one of the villagers stricken by fear for my safety. Though, he was nowhere near as thin or small in stature as his wife, the mayor who was nonetheless thin, with a long moustache that ran past his chin was to at my departure plead with me.


    ¡°Please young man,¡± He at this time clasped my right hand, which held the bridle of the horse just as Klove climbed atop his own. ¡°Do not go! You must not leave, for you know not what dangers and evils await, all who enter that dreadful place!¡±


    His words were greatly reminiscent of those of his wife, who stood a short distance behind him, in the doorway to her home, with her sons clasped close to her. The two boys could not have been older than eight and six years of age respectively, yet they themselves looked no less daunted than she.


    ¡°Hurry Brother Arnfried, it is by this time later than I had wished it to be, when leaving this village.¡± The servant of the baroness urged impatiently.


    I felt certain he had not heard the whispers of the mayor, as I had hardly heard him though I stood next to the older man. However, I could not help Sieghild, suspecting that he had an inkling of what was being whispered to me.


    Doing as bidden, I discovered as I left that most of the villagers looked on us, with a mixture of relief and terror on my behalf. Confused, and more than a little unsettled as much by this behavior on their parts, as much as the cold, peculiar nature of the almost equally gaunt guide to the castle.


    The journey to Castle-Teufelburg was one that took longer than expected, taking up a greater proportion of the day than I had expected (or desired!). Trotting thither through the forests of the islet, until such a time that my inexperienced calves began to ache with each step of the charger, I was to plead with Klove to allow me even the briefest of rests from the journey.


    ¡°Not yet, ¡®tis not far,¡± Said the dark-cloaked man, his thin lips pressed together in disapproval.


    Cheeks burning scarlet, at the implied insult towards my physical capabilities, I closed my mouth and thenceforth bit my tongue whenever the urge to plead rose up once more. This exchange took place shortly after the noontide of the day, with there being no further conversations until we had begun the ascent up the mountain.


    It was as we crossed from darkened woods, where trees blew ominously as though whispering of dark misdeeds of days long past, and the shadows glowed with hundreds of hungry eyes that I began to have an inkling of why the villagers were so timid. To live in such a place seemed to me, the most dreadful fate one could wish upon another man.


    So that by the time we had reached the foot of the mountain-spire, I had come to shake from the memory of the forests we had traversed throughout the day.


    Mistaking my trembling, as a response to the cold (for it was bitingly icy), ¡°Never fear brother, soon we shall have arrived and I will light for thee a warm-fire, and you shall enjoy a hot stew. One that will warm your belly, just as our strong brews will bring warmth to your heart.¡±


    His reassurance was coldly stated so that it brought a certain comfort to me, so starved for the slightest demonstration of goodness was I, so that I thanked him earnestly.


    My profuse words were however interrupted by a great howl that echoed throughout the woods, from the north shore to the southern one. The sound cut through the air more finely and decisively than the suns¡¯ rays through winter frost, or that of Ziu¡¯s sword through the coat of the demon-coyote, ¨¢mrerja in defence of his mother, the laughter-loving goddess.


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    Such was the suddenness of their howl, and the violence of their sharp cry that Klove¡¯s already snow-white pallor worsened. He grew so agitated that he himself began to shake and stutter, so that I was moved to try to assure him of our safety though I myself was overwhelmed by mortal terror.


    ¡°Surely they shall not venture hither, nearer to the home of the baroness; therefore there is naught to fear sir Klove!¡±


    He cast but a swift sidelong glance in my direction, saying as he did so, ¡°It would not be wise though, given the desperation of their howl to linger over-long, Arnfried.¡±


    There were once more a great store of questions, I might have otherwise have wished to ask of him. At that moment though, Klove motivated by his terror of the wolves with the great stone-paved path up and about the mountain snapped the reins of his steed.


    As mine was attached to his own, and had grown by this time jittery, from the knowledge of the nearby wolves (whose howls had only grown nearer!) dove forward with the same suddenness as that of Klove. Startled and not paying proper attention, distracted as I was by the growing loudness of the wolves, I was thrown from the horse.


    This being the sort of thing that might have drawn a derisive snigger from the likes of Thorben, who being a squire of some skill especially with horse-breaking, I should beg you Sieghild not to inform him of this. You know how much I revere him, and how his esteem is of great import to my spirit.


    In that moment though, humiliated at this thought and stricken by pain, as I lay in the muddy path before the mountain, I groaned, as my ears and head rang.


    The renewed howl and the even more worrisome sound of a wolf growling a short distance away drew me up from the ground, with greater haste than previously believed possible.


    Ignoring the throbbing head-ache that haunted every movement of my skull, and seeing that Klove had disappeared up the path with his steeds, I could only call out after him. Such was the dread that the realization that he had abandoned me, inspired in me that I was so ill to my stomach that I felt it down to my toes.


    Haste, make haste you fool, I whispered to myself, after hearing what sounded akin to the voice of abbot Friedhelm, murmuring those very words it seemed in my ears.


    Dressed in the robes of the clergy, ones muddied that clung so very tightly to me that I was slowed in my attempts to escape the wolves.


    Racing up yon mountain, at first with my gaze focused entirely upon the path before me it was only after several minutes that a backwards glance was risked. My heart came very near to grinding to a halt, at the sight of the wolves that had trod hither from the forest, their tongues lolling past their jaws and eyes following me hungrily.


    The fear that invaded my spirit in that moment, to see the wolves sizing me up tearing into me and determining how much each of my limbs weighed, how much meat they were filled was horrid. It was Sieghild the very most dreadful moment of my twenty years or so of life.


    ¡®O goddess, o Saga, Marianne and Ziu aid me!¡¯ I implored at that moment.


    There was, no lightning strike, no great flaming stones from the heavens, nor did any of the wolves fall dead at this prayer. This in direct contradiction to many a events from the Canticle of the gods.


    The canines bared their monstrous white fangs ere they gave chase, heart ready to burst from my chest I dove, and flew up the marble-stones that marked the great road up the mountain.


    The wolves came so very near that their fiery-red gaze, which had been but briefly discerned in the forest, and which shone in the darkening evening air glimmered from a bare meter away.


    Once again prayers escaped from my lips, even as one of them with a great bound threw me to the ground.


    The great shout of agony that was torn from frozen lips, was as naught to the searing pain that was inflicted upon the very leg the wolf bit into.


    Tearing at flesh and muscle, just a little above the back of the knee, with such force as to remind a man of the great might of Heracles himself, so that it was with little hope left in my heart I pulled back my other leg.


    ¡°Back you demon!¡± The gauntlet had been thrown, and still being a man I refused not to meet the challenge thinking that if death was to visit me, it would find me a worthy combatant rather than a pitiful, prone weakling. I was to kick as fiercely as possible at the wolf, which to my great satisfaction let loose a loud whine in response.


    My joy was short-lived as a second more monstrous wolf dove at my leg.


    Twisting about though, so that it tore but part of my robe, even as it¡¯s eight other pack-mates moved to encircle me, so that the dread from earlier vanished.


    In its place was left a certainty, a resignation that ceased all the trembling and chased away all the fear left within my still rapidly-galloping heart. Death had come.


    That great and inevitable thing that was said to be the gift of the gods to all men, though did not visit itself down upon my person in that hour though.


    ¡°Brother Arnfried!¡± Klove cried out, racing along from nowhere his cloak gone from him, one hand on the reins and in the other a long-sword held upright.


    Rescue at last! I shan¡¯t tell you how good it felt, to see him. In that moment, my fondness for the man knew no bounds so that I hardly took notice as the wolves scampered away from him. Fearful of his blade, or so I assumed it was not until much later that I was to ponder about why it did not take a single sword-stroke for them to take flight from Klove.


    Reaching down to help me climb onto the horse, he hurried the horse back up the path whereupon he had descended, yelling shrilly. ¡°It is not wise to remain here over-long, brother!¡±


    Unable to do aught more than nod my head, with my right-leg aching and throbbing even more than my aching skull, I clung to him.


    It was in this dire condition that we reached the summit of the mountain, where the castle was to be found and was presented to the great doors of the baroness.


    Hurrying, to find bandages to bind my bleeding leg, Klove I was to withdraw from the inner-folds of my robe this journal. Hardly able to still my heart, and wishing to take my mind away from the bleeding leg that lay to the side of the horse, I put down the events of the day in this journal. It is my hope that the rest of this quest of mine, given by his eminence the Archdouvain will be all the easier.

 Arnfried鈥檚 Journal Cont鈥檇 Gilpean 3rd: The Castle Interior

    The interior of Teufelburg was impressive, by any standards that one judges castles by. Some such as Ackalburg, were large and expansive, while others such as the great keep of Baugm¨¹nster were thrice in height and size of most keeps. To my understanding, palatial estates such as those of Guilladon, Lynette and Armand over in Gallia were considerably larger and grander than all those in Valholant.


    This keep though, built into the very rock of the mountain contrary to the darkened exterior that cast a long shadow over the land, the interior was warm and richly coloured. The walls were bronze in colouration, with rich tapestries hanging from every wall.


    These finely woven silk and wool hangings, told tales I was not wholly familiar with, though they seemed to recount legends and great deeds on the part of many great men and women, dating back to an age beyond that of Aemiliemagne.


    The floor which was made of fine white marble, and covered with silk carpets that were crimson with gold trimmings, leading across the grand twenty meter long and wide entrance hall. Such was the demonstration of wealth that I was at once awed by it. How could I not be amazed by the shimmering dungeon interior? The extravagance on display which made me think this place was more than a match for the Emperor¡¯s halls (not that I have seen any of them!) so that I hardly noticed Klove addressing me.


    ¡°Brother Arnfried, if I may take your cloak, and see to your leg before you are presented to the Lady Baroness,¡± Klove repeated himself when prompted.


    Blushing at having forgotten my own wounds, and remembering the pain that had once robbed me of my reason, but a few minutes prior I nodded my head ever so slowly.


    At present my wounds had been treated if ever so lightly, so that I might survive without too much troubles the hour-long journey up the mountain.


    Brought to another chamber, it was there where I was made to elevate my robes that my guide might treat the wound. Tending to it, he was to clean it and bandage it with almost tender care, so that I could not help but stare at him as he worked with all the gentility of a loving wolf-mother with her cub.


    ¡°You are quite skilled in the healing arts, Klove,¡± I remarked to the thin-lipped bearded servant of the Baroness.


    ¡°Indeed, as you are not the first wanderer to journey to this castle and to have become wounded I have had to learn such arts. They were taught to me by the previous clergyman who joined us here,¡± He explained to me coolly, with the politeness of a true servant. Admitting but a moment later, ¡°The wolves that live at the foot of the mountain can be quite vicious. Therefore, there is to be no talk to the lady of what has happened, lest she should worry.¡±


    There was a hint of steel in his eyes, of a sort I had seen but a rare few times before in my life. Worried and confused, about the menace that emanated from his gaze, I hardly noticed the door to the small darkened chamber open.


    Empty save for the simple stool and a few ale-filled barrels, the brief flash of light of a torch could be discerned ere the rasping voice of the lady. ¡°Ah, there the two of you are, I must confess to have begun to worry for the both of you.¡±


    The lady whom stood in the doorway and hurried hither to greet us, and welcome me to the castle was one who looked to be older than even Brother Benjamin, the eldest of the Eichbraun-Abbey monks. Far older than even the Baron Dagobert, to whom our abbey owed allegiance to, and who had recommended one of our monks to Archdouvain Wolfgang and Duke Meinrad for this undertaking.


    There was carved into the stone of her face the same hardiness that was characteristic of old Baron Dagobert, save where he had a hint of softness there was little of that in this haggard woman¡¯s face. Hard as iron, was her face one that might have been said to be cast in that very metal, with its stony and cold disposition. Armed with beady little black eyes, and a hawk-like nose, she had a striking appearance, one that might once have been beautiful.


    But it was not these traits or the rich red silk gown that drew the eye, but her thick-lips. Thick and blood-red, they were positioned over a short chin that had folds of wrinkles and flesh that separated lip from chin, and over all of this were the sharpest, most noteworthy canines ever seen in the history of Valholant.


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    I hope you do not mind my slightly poetic turn of phrase at this moment Sieghild, however it must be confessed that I had never seen a single man, or woman let alone any beast with such fangs. I must confess to have stared overlong at them (doubtless you would have scolded me for my rudeness, and in this I would have gladly accepted the reprimand), so that the lady gave me a slightly vexed look.


    Embarrassed by my own rudeness and visible repugnance I hurriedly bowed and to kiss her outstretched hand. It was clammy, ice-cold as one might have expected from a block of ice or a cadaver, I shuddered at the touch though did not retreat.


    ¡°You were late to arrive,¡± She remarked pleasantly once she had withdrawn her hand, her eyes glimmering with grandmotherly concern.


    Moved by this show of concern for my person, and taking pity upon Klove for having rescued me from the beastly wolves that had attacked me. ¡°Yes, we had difficulties with some local wolves, so that Klove had to come to my rescue.¡±


    ¡°Really now?¡± the Baroness muttered dark eyes I noticed now, shifted it seemed in colour ever so slightly, so that they were two of the most remarkable eyes I had ever seen. They struck as forcibly as lightning, and yet tended to draw an individual into them, her disapproving stare made Klove shrink away and filled my heart with pity for him.


    The storm-cloud passed and cleared away, leaving in its wake, pleasant politeness as before. ¡°Very well, then if such is the case, you must be tired I think it time that Klove shows you to your chambers. That you may do toilet, and rest ere you are served your meal.¡±


    Shown to my chambers, by the silent monolith that could well have passed for one of the gargoyles outside the keep, who torch in hand guided me through a dozen well-decorated hallways. Hallways that could only be described as grim, such was their tenebrous nature so that I could not help but shiver every few seconds as we moved through them. There were a number of statues that stood to either side of them, with each of them marvelously well-sculpted even as they were hideous to look upon. There were many tapestries that hung in these hallways also, depicting great battles, and fine feasts though I could not make much out about them, such was the darkness of the hallways. Each of the hallways though, were two meters wide, more than eight meters high and had dull red walls and ceiling, which must have been comforting in the light of day, but at night seemed even more oppressive and daunting than the wolves outside the keep.


    Klove, his manner serious, thin lips pressed together and eyes directed before him, as he guided me up a number of stairs that drew a pained gasp from me due to my battered limb.


    Once on the third floor, he escorted me past a particularly large tapestry which depicted the map of the lands of Valholant. I could make out the details on it solely you see thanks to the light of his torch and because we paused very briefly by it. Doing so, that he might unlock the door to the bedchambers given over to me, for the duration of my stay.


    Seeing my fascination with it, the older man remarked almost genially. ¡°The tapestry was spun by the lady herself. In the time of her youth, when she was still fascinated by the Continent, this was well before my time herein the Wyvern-Tower.¡±


    ¡°Any reason why the principal dungeon of the keep is known as the ¡®Wyvern-Tower¡¯ Klove,¡± I asked of the servant relieved that we could cease mounting stairs.


    He flicked a brief if passing glance in my direction, ¡°The name was given to the keep long ago, due to the wyverns that once inhabited the cliffs upon which it was built and that were chased away by the ancestor of the lady. It was I believe the Lord Bastian, who did this. He was a barbarous man though one of good intent it is said, and was even knighted by the likes of Aemiliemagne, with his being the first baron of the castle.¡±


    ¡°Really now? This I did not know,¡± I said having never heard of any of this history.


    ¡°Oh yes, brother, though most on the mainland remain ignorant of it, house Varcola is one of the oldest in all of the lands who speak the Valholantian tongue.¡± Klove explained to me at some length. ¡°Most houses from two and even three hundred years ago have since expired unless I am very much mistaken.¡±


    ¡°You are quite well-informed Klove, I am impressed,¡± I praised with the taller man demurring from my compliments wherefore I was to ask of him. ¡°Is there any place, where I might find more of this sort of knowledge? I should very much like to make a full study of the old barons, to share this knowledge with the Archdouvain that he might better receive her ladyship.¡±


    ¡°I shall inquire with the lady regarding this matter of yours,¡± He said though he did not sound altogether greatly pleased with the request.


    Shown to my chambers, where Klove dressed my wounded leg, wherefore he left to see to the meal informing me it would not be long. Left to my own devices in a small room, with a large bed with thick coverlets and furs to ward off the cold, and with feather pillows it could well have pleased a king. To one side was a simple square table, where I was to place my effects, which included a small bottle of ink, a feather-pen and my journal into which I at present write of my journey.


    I also placed hereupon the table my torn robes that I may change into a spare set of robes that I brought on the journey at the abbot¡¯s suggestion. One that I am most grateful for, even as I prepare to put away my journal and write now a letter that I shall send along soon (or so I hope).


    I have much to tell you Sieghild that has not yet been written down, but alas there is Klove¡¯s fist upon the door! Away am I, to eat at last and to in your words fulfill that duty which I am always wont to abandon out of distraction with other lesser duties!

 Giplean 4th The Magnificent Library

    Gilpean 4<sup>th</sup>,


    The dinner that was served was delicious. One that consisted of poultry dipped in a local sauce, mixed with spices from the local village, and mixed with onions and cheese from Gallia. Never had I imagined that one might mix cheese with meat in such a manner and put together into a stew, yet it was quite remarkable. The pungent scent and warmth of the cooked meat, were far better than any of our monastery¡¯s fare or that of even Ackalburg Sieghild if I may be so presumptuous. Truly the Baroness is blessed to have so talented a cook.


    What you may find the most remarkable is that that this fine meal cooked and roasted in the kitchens was done by Klove. A man of some substantial size, with the sort of appearance that suggested clumsiness, and with an uncaring tactless air about him that gave him an uncouth disposition, therefore it was a talent one might not have expected from him at first glance.


    The meal which was spent alone, as the lady I was told, ¡°Has already eaten for she had expected us far earlier in the day, and thus had something prepared for that time.¡±


    ¡°Oh my apologies, and thank you Klove,¡± I had replied at the time, filled with guilt.


    It happened later the next day, after I descended to eat in the large dining-hall, whereupon I had been fed the prior day that I was informed of how the baroness would not be joining me for either breakfast or lunch. ¡°Why is that? Has she taken ill?¡±


    ¡°No young brother, but rather she has since taken ill,¡± Klove assured me in a smooth voice, ¡°She has decided for this reason to take her meal in her chambers.¡±


    ¡°Really? Is there anything I can do for her? I have been trained in the healing arts, by the brothers of Eichbraun.¡±


    ¡°It is nothing you need concern yourself with, it is but age,¡± answered the last of the household servants of Castle-Teufelburg his tone and face impassive. ¡°She is a victim of what comes for all who draw breath.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    After this I was led up the stairs which was far more easy a task than one night hence, due in no small part I suspected because of a full-night¡¯s rest. That greatest of men¡¯s boons as Brother Benjamin was fond of saying to all who might lend their ears in his direction, with the lady¡¯s servant bearing the appearance of a man who had not slept at all. Eyes ringed by dark circles, ones that bespoke not simply of a lifetime of sorrows and age, but principally of an insomniac¡¯s pains.


    Shown to the castle-library, Sieghild you may not have believed me, but the wonders I saw there might well have entranced you at once, as it did myself; though a small chamber there were hundreds of tomes.


    Hundreds! Think of it Sieghild! They were almost falling from the mahogany brown shelves, they were so numerous. Such was my awe, at the many blue, green and red dust-covered wonders that were to be found therein that tiny sliver of the castle that I stopped mid-step to gape. Hearing me gasp drew neither a smile, nor the slightest amusement from him.


    ¡°The library is yours to use as you see fit, brother for the duration of your stay,¡± Said Klove with nary more than a slight nod of his head. ¡°I will be nearby, in the event that you should require the slightest aid or any other assistance. Good day, brother.¡± He paused long enough, in the doorway to whisper to me quite clearly, and with a hint of worry in his pinched brow. ¡°One last thing Brother; do not go about exploring Castle-Teufelburg on your own. It is a large place, easy to lose oneself in, and there are places her ladyship would prefer you not visit.¡±


    ¡°Places such as?¡±


    ¡°Why the east-wing and the north-easterly quarter of the castle,¡± Klove explained in his deep almost threatening voice.


    Hardly taking notice of his tone, or having much interest in visiting those places. Born a peasant, and raised in Eichbraun-Abbey, I am as you well know Sieghild obedient by nature insofar as the rules of a household are concerned. If a place be a monastery, or castle the abbot or lord were to be respected and obeyed, or so I had been brought up to think.


    Giving him my assurances that I had little interest in the breaking of the lady¡¯s rulings, especially in matters concerning her home, he did bid me a good-night and left, satisfied.


    Pleased by this, yet hardly knowing where to begin reading I hurriedly thanked the tall man-servant who shrugged and left as abruptly as he had appeared one day hence.


    I thus sit here, journal on one of the nearby tables, carved from fine red-wood and polished by the distant Wilder-Elves of Gallia who excel in such arts, noting down everything that I have seen.

 Arnfrieds Journal Gilpean 6th

    Gilpean 6<sup>th</sup>,


    Time passed quite swiftly so that it was hardly noticed, those days were wholly dedicated to the study of the lineage of Varcola. Hers was a lineage that had a history that was once among the noblest she was to claim. It had begun with Dorin, who had fought valiantly for Aemiliemagne in his youth. The great baron lost his life in the wars of Darkness, shortly after his seventieth year with his son Dumitru succeeding him, to all his riches and grandness of titles. It was this son, this Dumitru who began the fall from golden-rule over the isle of Teufelburg to that of silver, ere the rule of the barons rusted it seemed to my mind.


    The son was a brilliant knight to be sure, and fought no less nobly, in spite of how his nine brothers, four uncles and father all perished in the wars against the Darkness. It was as a cripple that Dumitru returned home, to find his wife a stranger and his daughter nigh on full-grown.


    Tragedy did not strike the family quite yet, for there was ten good, long fertile years that followed.  Years spent unaware of the menace that loomed to the north-east of the Gernavian isles, from whence the invading Tavins-tribes from the distant east crossed the sea after the destruction of their home-city of the Band.


    To the sea they went, invading many of the locals hereupon the Gernavian isles, with the Lord Dumitru passing away to these sea-marauders. It was this baron though who had rallied the dozens of islands against the pirates, winning a great victory at Dragosul?, where he was killed in the fighting.


    *****


    After Dumitru, it appears that the baron was succeeded by his daughter. This daughter, I have found a great measure of difficulty in discovering the slightest record of, with her name scratched from the first account I inspected. The second spoke only of her in the barest of ways, communicating the year in which she succeeded her father, her thirty-two years of rule and of her harshness towards those descended from the Tavins who sought refuge hereon the island of Teufelburg.


    It was a rather dustier tome that spoke of the lady in greater detail, though some of the record¡¯s words were missing and faded due to age. This record stating in bald terms of how she had impaled a number of her rivals and former allies, to prevent them from gaining ground on those islands nearest to that which her castle lorded over.


    In search of more knowledge regarding this lady, I was to sift through another three volumes, about the early history of the castle. It happened that the door opened, or I assumed it must have opened and closed without a sound, so that I did not at once take notice of the other person in the library.


    It was not until she spoke that I became, aware of the presence of the Baroness Varcola, ¡°Brother Arnfried, you seem to have come to enjoy the bountiful volumes of my library.¡±


    I must have leapt several dozen feet in the air. At first I was unable to find her at first, in my search for the lady that is until she stepped out of the shadows near the open window.


    ¡°Oh milady, I did not see you come in,¡± I said startled and though it was not shown or implied, a little irritated that she should have surprised me so. ¡°How long have you stood by the open window?¡±


    ¡°I have not been here for very long,¡± She replied coolly, allowing me to step past her to close the scarlet curtains, stepping forward to stand by the table, she picked up one of the books. ¡°Ah the ¡®History of Teufelburg¡¯, by Brother Benjamin I see.¡±


    ¡°Yes, milady.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, and what is this?¡± She inquired examining the open book that lay nearest to the chair I had vacated, in my search for the book by Brother Benjamin.


    ¡°It is my notes milady, on the history of your island and line,¡± pointing to the ink-bottle next to it and the feather-pen that had been put into it. ¡°I find that the taking of notes regarding this sort of thing, to be the easiest means by which to recall it.¡±


    ¡°Really now?¡± Varcola asked a strange and wide smirk stretching out over her plump lips. It was a hideous grin, as might have belonged on a skull, with her large canines not helping to ease the discomfort she inspired. ¡°Why peruse the volumes, when I may tell you all that one may wish to know of that time?¡±


    Startled by the knowing gleam and tone of her voice, I was to prompt her, ¡°You are familiar with the histories of that time? Did your father educate, on the topic?¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°Quite so brother Arnfried, to the Varcola naught is more important than our history, for once we were the most glorious and admired of all the lines of the Gernavian islands.¡± She replied almost haughtily, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. ¡°You may find it difficult to believe, but there were once gay times herein my castle. Once there were lavish balls, fantastical parties and guests from all the isles and even from the mainland who never tarried to be in attendance for any of those events.¡±


    ¡°What of the histories after the fall of Dumitru, I found it difficult to find record of what came after his passing.¡±


    ¡°It was a dark time in our histories, the lord had left two daughters; an elder daughter high-born and pretty who hardly inspired confidence. She was dull in spirit as she was in mind, having only a desire to marry some fool in the local village.¡± The scornfulness in the Baroness¡¯s voice, when she spoke of the maiden in question so that she almost seemed to come to life from the histories, ¡°Her younger sister though, was cut from a different cloth.¡±


    ¡°Sister? I was not aware that the baron Dumitru had two daughters,¡± I interrupted started by this revelation.


    The lady did not appear at all irritated by this remark rather she seemed pleased by my interest. ¡°Yes, he had two of them; Ileana the elder and Mihaela who was the younger sister. It was the latter to whom, most put their faith into, for she was ever the finer daughter. More beauteous was she, and far cleverer in the ways of the world, than her sister. It came about that at the passing of their father, she was but half a dozen years of age, and so it was she that most turned to. The sisters though did not quarrel, for quite some time.¡±


    ¡°Then what became of them?¡± I asked in a hushed tone, mesmerized by the tale.


    She smiled, ¡°It happened that at the time when she intended to wed, her sister was given over the time of Ileana¡¯s meeting with the youth in question, and had guards sent out. The villager was slain in the name of protecting the Baroness, wherefore she was herself seized by madness and attempted to take the life of her sister, who was rescued by the handsome captain of the guards.¡±


    At the mention of the captain in question, her voice became dream-like. As though reminiscing about a man she had herself once known, and once fancied. ¡°Her sister imprisoned, it was not long before the younger sister, and Mihaela had convinced another of the guards to put her miseries to an end. Crowned the Baroness, she was to do what Mihaela had failed to do and ought to have done some time ago; routed those who had come to take their lands from them, and dealt the traitors¡¯ the traitor¡¯s fate.¡±


    ¡°Traitors¡¯? What traitors?¡± I was to ask bewildered, and thinking that somehow I had lost hold of her narrative and tale.


    Seeing my confused expression, she smiled in what seemed to be a grandmotherly way so that she said to me. ¡°Oh my apologies Arnfried, I seem to have lost control of the story, if you may tell me what part confused you so?¡±


    Feeling a little at a loss to where to go back to, as it seemed that the story had become quite confused around the time of the imprisonment of the elder sister. Not wishing to speak out so, on this matter I in place of remarking upon that part of the tale I asked politely after the traitors she spoke of.


    My eyes must have also as I answered her, flitted to the table whereupon my notes of the history of Teufelburg and its lineage sat, now unattended to, so that she followed my gaze.


    ¡°Excuse me, my friend,¡± she said genially with an almost sweet smile on her face, ¡°Do be seated and take the notes which you like ever so much, just as all those of your brethren do! I would have a new record of these lost years written!¡±


    Grateful, and relieved to have not offended her, it was not long before she was once more swept along by the tale of those who came before. ¡°The traitors I referred to, my dear friend.¡± Here she touched my arm with an ice-cold hand, so that I flinched a little as though burnt. She hardly noticed. ¡°They were those who had come from North-Agenor, and other islands forming amongst themselves into a single-band of ¡®Sea-Men¡¯ or Seeleute as they were also called in your tongue. Many were the isles that were subjected by them.¡±


    ¡°What of the chivalry of the northern court? Surely, they sought to do something to put a stop to this conquest!¡± I objected, though I knew the answer.


    She snorted, wherefore she admitted, ¡°Though they were as naught compared to the conquerors who followed after them; the Northmen, who came down from across the Glacial Sea far to the north.¡±


    This part of the tale was familiar to most or at the least many of the details could be guessed at.


    ¡°We were made to withdraw, by this time we were wearied and the traitors who had joined the Sea-Men had been properly purged. The resultant nigh on century of continuous war had however, sapped us of our strength.¡± Varcola murmured somberly, eyes finding the flames in the small chimney that stood betwixt two of the large mahogany shelves filled with voluminous collections of poetry and histories. ¡°Not all of these Arns as most dubbed them, on account of the north-lands by the name of Arnrige, were entirely undesirable to the locals.¡±


    ¡°How could this be? Did they not sail here from the west, with blood, plunder and the clash of arms in their hearts?¡±


    ¡°Aye, it shan¡¯t be denied, though one of the great chieftains of the second raiding group that came in the life-time of the Baroness Ileana was not wholly displeasing to her.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± I asked, startled by this admission and the almost wistful smile that appeared on her thick-lips.


    ¡°A discussion for another time Brother Arnfried,¡± She decided after a moment¡¯s thought, ¡°I should think I have given you sufficient to mull over, and to note down. If you should like, you may inspect one of the green tomes behind you, next to the door on some of this history. As the book in question, is a history of the isle of Teufelburg, with its lord being of the same house as that fool Bj?rn.¡±

 Arnfrieds Journal Gilpaen 6: Later

    Later


    I did not know at once why she called the Lord Bj?rn foolish, nor could I quite conceive of why the Baroness spoke with such scorn of the house of Bj?rn as a whole. However, the vividness and familiarity with which she spoke of days long past, of the history of the castle in which she lived, and of the feuds and deaths of those who had lived there long before my arrival.


    Taking note of the vast majority of what it was that she had recounted, leaving no detail out, no matter how small or insignificant. So that when the time came to re-read the great majority of the record made of the history of Teufelburg and of the founding of the Barony, it was only thence that I noticed how the suns had begun to peak on the horizon.


    Eyes burning I was to turn about far too rapidly, so that the bottle of ink (one of only four I had brought with me for this journey), was knocked over onto the ground. My mistake was a foolish one and one that in hindsight could easily be excused. It could be excused, quite easily as said, for I had not put down the pen for a single moment since it was first picked up, in order to note down all that was to be told, by the lady Varcola. I must confess that the first words that were expostulated were hardly ones befitting a monk.


    Cleaning up the glass took little time, though the act of avoiding some of the sharper corners took a little more care. Care I was not wholly able to give over to such an endeavour, because of the exhaustion that plagued my mind and spirit.


    Hissing from the pain, from the edge of my fingertips where the glass had cut I was to grip the said fingers momentarily. Hurrying to my bedchambers, to find the torn robes I had flung to one side of the room near to the table upon which I had lain several of my personal effects. Tearing a strip of the dark cloth, with which my wound was promptly seen to after hurriedly cleaning it in a bowl of cold water thoughtfully put on a separate table pressed against the left-hand wall, by Klove.


    I was to rub at my eyes, wherefore I laid down for the remainder of the morn¡¯, too wearied to properly resist the numbing need for rest, by this time.


    *****This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Brother Arnfried,¡± Klove was to later remark wakening me from my rest some time later, ¡°The Baroness requests your presence in the dining-hall.¡±


    Startled I leapt up a little from the bed, less than pleased to have been awoken in this rather unsubtle manner, by the man-servant of the lady Varcola. Stammering, I was apologized to for awakening me, in the coldest and most indifferent voice ever utilized by any man, or so it seemed.


    ¡°You have thus far slept through the whole of the day brother,¡± He informed me without seeming at all bothered, ¡°Your books have been closed, and a new bottle of ink has already been supplied for your later usage.¡±


    ¡°Really? You took one of my bottles of ink? Wait, what of the one I accidentally shattered?¡±


    ¡°No brother, I took the liberty of withdrawing some ink and a new quill-pen from the lady¡¯s collection, and have already cleaned the spilled ink and shattered bottle. It seemed the most natural course of action, was I mistaken to have done so?¡± Klove said in his morbid tones, face as impassive as always.


    ¡°Oh well thank you, I do hope it was not too much trouble,¡± I stammered politely.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± There was a thin trail of disdain beneath the sheen of indifference.


    Unsure if I had imagined the scorn, or if it was simply a figment of my over-active imagination, I ate a swift break-fast that consisted of something called Sarmale cu mamaliga si carnati which was to say mince rolled in pickled cabbage with Polenta. My request for the recipe was promptly obeyed, with Klove writing it with a rapid hand that startled me.


    His writing was not at all so crude, as you might well have imagined it, for it was neat and well-lined. Amazed, and baffled I was to later store the recipe in my bag, yet before that while the servant cleared the table of all the cutlery and plates, I could resist asking about this phenomenon.


    ¡°There was a time, ere my own arrival in Castle-Teufelburg, it was in that time that I learnt to read, write and even sculpt ever so slightly. My mother had been raised in a convent you see, before she met my father, it was she who passed on to me the secrets of literacy, and the lady has seen fit to have it refined.¡± He remarked with a hint of pride.


    ¡°Oh truly? It seems finer than my own writing,¡± I admitted a little embarrassed, for which he thanked me. Turning to leave, it was only thence that I noticed that the lady had not come down for her own morning-meal. ¡°The Baroness has not come down to eat.¡±


    ¡°To the contrary brother,¡± Klove said quietly, ¡°She was here before your own descent; it was she who had left instructions for your own breakfast to be prepared.¡±


    Thanking him, I was to return to the library in the hopes to continue my recording of the history of Teufelburg, this work serving well to distract me for the hours that followed. It was as a wound that I had by this time over-stayed my stay, so that I swore when next I saw the Baroness I should convey to her the importance, of the Emperor¡¯s summons.

 Arnfrieds Journal: Gilpean 7th: Tales of Blood & Darkest Seduction

    Gilpean 7<sup>th</sup>,


    The Baroness was to visit me next, awakening me from my slumber. Asleep on the same chair that she had caught me dozing upon the last we spoke.


    ¡°T¡¯would appear that you have taken a liking to this room,¡± She remarked politely if without the sort of warmth that anyone else might have uttered those words.


    ¡°Oh my lady, I am sorry seems that I fell asleep whilst waiting for you,¡± I murmured sleepily utterly shocked and bewildered by her sudden arrival in the library. Once more the window was open, when I had expressly closed it ere I had seated myself, before the unfinished record. ¡°When did you arrive?¡±


    ¡°But a moment ago, brother,¡± She assured me at once.


    Embarrassed, for I had the sense that she was lying to me, and did not much like the notion that she may have observed me as I slumbered.


    ¡°You really ought to take a seat, while I close that window,¡± I offered eager to escape her scrutiny for a moment, and happy to let her read through the record compiled hitherto this moment.


    There had not been much progress made in that regard, though there was enough was the hope to distract her if briefly so.


    In this matter my apprehension was rewarded with her making various comments regarding her melted away, the longer we discussed the history of her kindred. In time she was to remark, ¡°Thy history of my family is quite remarkable, though if I may continue I should like to discuss with you the next generation after Mihaela and her sister.¡±


    This startled me, so that I blurted out before I could stop myself, ¡°But what of her latter-years? Last we spoke; she was still a young woman, one who fancied the invading Arns.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, she went on to wed him but briefly, wherefore he sought to establish himself as Jarl of the island, this she would not allow.¡± The Baroness stated without a great deal of emotion, shrugging her shoulders indifferently though there was a hint of bitterness in her voice. ¡°He also wished to name his son by his previous marriage heir.¡±


    ¡°What happened next?¡±


    ¡°She turned once more to Captain Adam, to aid her which he did by slaying the youth.¡±


    ¡°The Captain seems to have certainly been loyal to her.¡±


    ¡°That he was, until¡­¡± Now her voice changed and darkened with hatred, ¡°He turned upon his Baroness, claimed that his conscience could no longer abide the weight of his sins. So that he sought out the Jarl and revealed all to him, to which the man renounced his love for her and sought her destruction.¡±


    ¡°He betrayed her? Astounding, I had no suspicion that such may have happened,¡± I lied, though some of the surprise was genuine. How could any say that such a betrayal could inspire shock in any? Given the life the lady had lived was hardly surprising, it was merely a matter of how soon it had come about.


    ¡°Yes, though driven away, the Baroness was to depart into exile to the isle of Abanvoal with the lady aided at a later date by the current baron¡¯s ancestor.¡± She explained, ¡°Her reclamation of the island was to see her have her former lovers executed.¡± The dryness of this fact was almost mumbled as the lady showed little interest in the topic. Bewildered I might well have pursued it, if it was not for her declaring, ¡°It happened that in the time of her granddaughter Mihaela, the castle was to be burnt down.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± I interrupted, to which she smiled thinly.


    ¡°Those people who lived in the villages that dot the isle of Teufelburg rose up, just as the grandson of Bj?rn arrived to press his claim to the island. They allied together, and rather than throw down the gates they were to set the keep ablaze, in a fit of rage. Outraged by this monstrous act, the Baroness was to command what knights of hers remained to chase them away, and when even these men betrayed her, she was to have her servant leave for the isles of Abanvoal, and for those lands near the shore where the eastern port is located. It was thereupon those lands that she secured the aid of the ancestor of the current mayor, who hurried to her rescue. The lady once assured of her rule once more, and the heir of Bj?rn hounded out from her lands, dying with his children seized by Mihaela.¡±


    ¡°This is quite the tale!¡± I remarked rather confused by why the lady should find little joy in the telling of it.


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    ¡°Hardly, it is a tale of dishonor and folly, on the part of Bj?rn and his heirs, who had no claim to the isle, none that was legal in nature that is.¡± To these words I had no argument. In Valholant law triumphed over all else, after-all.


    ¡°What I wish to speak to you of, at present is of the Duke, and his role in the kingdom,¡± She said abruptly, keen it seemed to change the subject.


    Pleased to be reminded of the true mission appointed to me, by the Chancellor on behalf of the Duke and Emperor, I could not help but feel irritated by this sudden change. Fond of history, to have the legs torn out from beneath me so to speak, in so brusque a fashion displeased me greatly.


    I said naught at all, regarding this feeling of annoyance and instead stifled those sentiments in favour of duty. ¡°But of course milady, the Duke Meinrad is a man of great prestige throughout the realm, and was instrumental in the Emperor¡¯s election to his position. It is also, he who as good-cousin of his Eminence the Emperor has done much to bridge the gap between the Grand Divan and him. He has also fostered two of the Emperor¡¯s daughters, thus his command in the matter of allegiance pledging is as good as that of his Eminence.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± She said thoughtfully, ¡°And the Duke is he an older man, or a younger one? Have you met him by chance?¡±


    The question was an unexpected one. It ought to have been foreseen, yet for some reason the tale of the ancestress of Varcola had lulled me into forgetting my reason for being here.


    In truth as you well know Sieghild, we had met him though in my situation it was merely as the servant of Brother Benjamin. Serving as his secretary had never led to the Duke taking much notice of me, with this quest my hope to do so at long last.


    Unsure of how to answer, I settled upon saying to her, ¡°I have observed him in person, certainly milady.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? What of his age?¡±


    ¡°He is old milady, though he has sons and grandsons along with daughters and granddaughters,¡± I answered hopeful to assure her of the influence of his Grace, I boasted. ¡°He has links via his siblings, their children, his cousins and several of his own children to all ruling clans of Valholant. His is the mightiest and most plentiful of all kindred, of the Empire.¡±


    The disinterest that had entered her eyes at the mention of the age of the Duke soon faded and was replaced by a thoughtful expression when told of his kinsmen.


    ¡°What of the Duke¡¯s invitation to court?¡± She requested reaching out one long-fingered, long-nailed hand that was reminiscent of the claws of a vulture. Passing it over, she was to read it at some length, startling me with her ability to read the letter with little difficulty. ¡°I see, the Emperor wishes to have all the lords and clan-chiefs, and mayors of the Gernavian Isles pay homage to him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and he is prepared to play host to all, by providing the castle of Vechgr?d or the monastery of Vechgr?n, whichever you should prefer.¡± I informed her pleased to have secured her assent to leaving for the mainland, ¡°The castle Vechgr?d is to be found near the monastery which is just to the north-west and just outside the lands of the duchy of Adelburg.¡±


    ¡°I know where it is, young man,¡± She snapped a little more heatedly than expected so that her dark flaming eyes blazed with unexpected fire wherefore she saw me rear back so that she smoothed her expression at once. ¡°My apologies, I am quite familiar with the location and geography though I have never visited that place before.¡±


    Thinking it to have been a show of frustration at how poorly travelled she was, I apologized and remarked, ¡°My apologies milady, how insensitive of me! Surely some compromise could be achieved, mayhaps Klove may go in thy place to pay homage? On account of your age, and all.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± The force with which she spoke was so firm and steely that once again I stumbled back a few steps. ¡°He may not leave, for I require his presence at all times, to properly assist me in all matters.¡±


    ¡°Y-yes milady, if such be the case then it was foolish of me to propose otherwise.¡±


    ¡°Not foolish, but loyal I might daresay,¡± She said with sudden warmth patting me on the shoulder with a feeble old hand, her expression shifting to one of utter affection.


    A small smile might well have escaped me, however it was at that moment that a sudden transformation overtook the Baroness¡¯s face. It was not to remain fixed in place forever, yet it was nonetheless one of the most remarkable changes I had ever observed in any person, I had ever set eyes upon.


    Her face changed from a cynical one, smiling almost smirking as might a vulture at its meal, or coyote at a kitten. It happened that it turned into an expression of such pure hunger and greed that I could only gape and almost trip over my chair to escape her.


    When she noticed the change in my comportment, she looked up from where she had stared. Realizing how monstrous she had seemed as she loomed over me, desirous and predatory as might seem a beast, she pulled herself back with a sharp hiss of frustration. One that might have been torn from the lungs of a snake, or viper or so it seemed to me.


    ¡°My friend it appears that you have injured yourself,¡± Said Varcola politely though her eyes still blazed with a dark luminous air that devoured all light and gave naught at all in return.


    ¡°Oh! This, yes it was over a bottle of ink that shattered when Klove startled me,¡± I explained keen to allay her concerns and my own, finding comfort in my own voice. ¡°It was nothing, and he was most solicitous and cleaned the remaining shards for me.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± She murmured quiet as the grave wherefore she said as though the thought had only just occurred to her. ¡°If such be the case Brother Arnfried, I shall leave you, there is something that I must attend to that, requires my immediate attention.¡±


    No sooner had she uttered those sudden words she disappeared out the door, at a brisk pace that could well have overtaken the swiftest of those ancient gods Hermes himself.


    I write now in this journal to allay my own concerns, and to keep from trembling so fiercely did she frighten me earlier. I must confess that, at present Sieghild I shan¡¯t wait to put my back, to this bleak place!