History of Mardon Castle - 9Aa
Friday, November 06, 2009 (12:13:29)

Posted by TerishD

History of Mardon Castle
Chapter Nine
Part 1a

...
As with most castles that Ellish knew about, it had to be more than a sturdy fortress for the nobility. In case of a siege by a foreign power, it had to act as a complete social system assuring some comfort as well as survival for all the citizens. What someone entering the castle grounds saw was a nice landscaped front blocked by the stables and barracks on one side and a herb garden surrounded by a high stone fence on the other. Going through the barracks, one could find the busy and active metal smiths. Through the stables were corrals for a variety of animals. Going through the castle one could find doors to other gardens growing a variety of food plants. While everything appeared peaceful as he moved across the courtyard, Ellish suspected that dangerous secrets were being hidden.

He spoke to more soldiers as he moved through the barracks. Some of these had direct knowledge concerning what he had heard mentioned from those at the gate. Moving past the barracks, Ellish spoke to a couple of the master metal smiths who were working in the front of their shops. They verified things that that the regular soldiers had said, as well as simply chatted about family. While he felt that he had heard a number of relevant facts, Ellish opened a metal door between the area for the soldiers and the animals wondering what he would find.

While the smell was strong, the animals appeared calm. One building against the castle proper however was guarded. Knowing that it was not a prison, Ellish moved forward to learn to what purpose it was being used.


While one is leaving, the story continues to advance.


History of Mardon Castle
Chapter Nine
Part 1a

Ellish moved through the gates of the castle not really desiring to make a scene. Soldiers moved up to take his horse. He had seen how those born to noble families tended to accept such gratuities. Ellish had however begun his career as a regular soldier, and as he advanced he continued to relate to those who only obeyed orders and did not have the ability to give them. He thus casually spoke to those that approached. While his familiarity with the common soldier allowed for some easy comments and joking, it also enabled him to move on with no need to bother others about achieving his objective.

As with most castles that Ellish knew about, it had to be more than a sturdy fortress for the nobility. In case of a siege by a foreign power, it had to act as a complete social system assuring some comfort as well as survival for all the citizens. What someone entering the castle grounds saw was a nice landscaped front blocked by the stables and barracks on one side and a herb garden surrounded by a high stone fence on the other. Going through the barracks, one could find the busy and active metal smiths. Through the stables were corrals for a variety of animals. Going through the castle one could find doors to other gardens growing a variety of food plants. While everything appeared peaceful as he moved across the courtyard, Ellish suspected that dangerous secrets were being hidden.

He spoke to more soldiers as he moved through the barracks. Some of these had direct knowledge concerning what he had heard mentioned from those at the gate. Moving past the barracks, Ellish spoke to a couple of the master metal smiths who were working in the front of their shops. They verified things that that the regular soldiers had said, as well as simply chatted about family. While he felt that he had heard a number of relevant facts, Ellish opened a metal door between the area for the soldiers and the animals wondering what he would find.

While the smell was strong, the animals appeared calm. One building against the castle proper however was guarded. Knowing that it was not a prison, Ellish moved forward to learn to what purpose it was being used.

A soldier spoke to those inside the building, and Viscount Tasbirn stepped out to meet his knight. "I didn't expect to see you returning to service so soon."

"I cannot say such is my purpose, Tasbirn. I want you to know that I am going to Ganfurg. Before my wife gets pregnant again, I feel it is best to assure that some of my actions during the war are atoned."

Concern showed on the viscount's face as he said, "You were ever a proper soldier, Ellish."

"To have that mindset, Tasbirn, I cannot say that I gave proper respect to the gods, especially the goddesses. Ganfurg is a county to Thaenir. She is not only one of the ladies I am afraid of dishonoring, but she does watch over pregnant women. I thus am afraid my wife may find herself without divine support if I don't make this journey."

"Well, check with Nalisha. She is pregnant, so might have some matter she wishes you to bring before the goddess."

"Certainly, Tasbirn."

"Oh," the viscount put an arm around Ellish as he asked, "do you want to see what is going on?"

It was not so much friendship, as just Tasbirn’s personality that caused the action. As the ruler of the land, he did have to keep himself separate. He really was not a person that enjoyed isolation, so he did associate with those around him. It gave him a good reputation among the common people and soldiers. With those of rank with whom the viscount could actually socialize, he however did come across as very friendly. Ellish did not mind, as his successful military career had not given him many opportunities to form relationships. He thus welcomed the opportunity to converse with his superior.

"Might as well."

Inside the building a number of men worked around a net of dark green. Soldiers with short edged weapons stood ready as if to attack anyone that tied a knot incorrectly. The ends of the strands were fixed to the support beams for the walls with thick iron hooks. Even though no shaft of sunlight managed to pierce into the room, the net moved as if a strong draft roared from outside to disturb it. Those that worked on the net kept their bodies a distance from the strands with their faces declaring a concern for their very life as they manipulated each thread.

Ellish looked at the scene as he said, "I remember fighting the trolls, Tasbirn. You, in fact, had me work with the men to watch for more as Terniff helped you shave them."

"Oh, yes, check on Terniff as well, Ellish. She took Renwyn to Helshain and had him restored. She might be pregnant as well, so might have a concern for Thaenir." Seeing the knight nod, Tasbirn asked, "What do you think? Do you think we can capture Telelum?"

Ellish looked again at the expressions on the workers and the readied stances of the soldiers, then asked, "Can you even throw it to catch anything?"

Soldiers chuckled while the faces of the workers clearly showed no appreciation of the humor. Ellish had heard a number mention the net, so suspected that what was occurring in this building was not a secret. He looked around and realized that this had been where the butcher used to work. The sturdy beams used to support carcasses. The knight waited for Tasbirn to explain things even as he wondered if the still living hair of the trolls needed to be fed.

"If you don't keep tension on the strands, they will twist and cord up. Our first attempts to throw the net were rather gory affairs. We managed to save the man who found the net gripping him. As the bundle was released, the strands wrapped together and moved into the goat pen. The next time I had a team attempt to throw the net, fear of what happened the first time had them release a little early, and a dog got caught. I am out here to be ready when the net is finished again, as I want the men to try again. When we get our chance at the ghost, I want the men to perform without mistakes."

"That sounds wise. Do you have any idea how to track Telelum?"

"I got the maps from Russon, and am having a group of scribes work on creating a very accurate map of my kingdom. Terniff claims to have seen the ghost when in Helshain's grove, and she is talking with the kevalla now about what they know of Telelum and his movements. Kaervel has the maps from the kevalla, so I might take my scribes out to look them over."

Ellish chuckled for a moment imagining the castle bookworms being forced to move through the marsh. He looked to Tasbirn and remembered the war where movement was safely made even with women in the group. The knight had to admit that the man was capable of achieving fantastic things if those with him obeyed. Ellish thus put his focus back on the net.

"Trolls regenerate themselves."

One of those working on the net said, "No hair I know bends of itself like this does. We are not simply tying lengths of wool, fleece, or linen. This is muscle tissue."

A soldier voiced his own knowledge, "We have seen eyeballs grow in the net at night, and returning after a meal one day we saw a hand."

Ellish returned, "You do understand that the viscount is working to remove the curse upon our land?"

More than only the soldier that had spoken replied, "Yes, Sir!"

"Then continue in your work." Ellish now looked to Tasbirn to say, "And I, in the meantime, will be working to assure that our land does not fall into disfavor in other ways."

The viscount replied, "I won't speak against you, but don't take too long. I could well find myself needing your help."

"In a fight like this, I am not certain that you will need me. Trust Kaervel, Tasbirn. That man wants the curse removed probably more than you do. I can assure you that he won't take another lady until his life is calm."

Tasbirn moved his knight out of the building as he said, "I get regular reports from Kaervel. I am not worried about his loyalty, but he is working on a different goal than I am. The castle once stood where all could get to it, and that did not help them remove the curse. I believe that we need to get Telelum to speak."

"One of the few things we know about the day of the curse, is that Telelum went to the castle in a hope of undoing what had been done."

The viscount set his eyes to look directly into those of Ellish as he said, "So, if you return hearing of me needing you, you can be assured that I have consulted with Kaervel."

"I understand, Viscount. I promise not to be any longer than necessary. I believe that the trip should take about a month."

Tasbirn now broke from the knight, although turned to him to say, "Don't forget to speak to Nalisha and Terniff."

"I assume your wife is in the castle. Where is Terniff?"

"She is not going to be in the castle. Still, I don't believe she is that far away."


It is not so much Terniff that is met in the next installment, but Renwyn.