OOC: Trying to respond to everyone, but I'm going to have missed something. If so, I'm sorry and just give me a heads-up.
Not doing any non-King Erik related stuff yet today. Will do that in a bit.
The Gates of Sheepstead, Early Winter...
(Ichor) The guard arched an eyebrow, eying the stranger. After a moment of studying him, he gave a small shrug and a smile. "Lad, jest head on in. King's holding open court still, if yeh hurry might be you can get in."
The King's Court, Early Winter...
(The Mask) Erik's bemused smile remained, though only through effort. "You do know more than most, I must admit," he replied calmly, "And we've always a need for those knowledgeable in the ways of diplomacy. Bjorn, my steward, shall provide you with lodging if you haven't any...I suggest you stay close, I'll have need of a traveling companion soon enough."
Later...
(Ludwig) The King frowned a moment, and then glanced idly to the nearby courtiers. "You are a soldier, then, and looking to serve me?" he asked, before giving an idle wave with his mangled hand, "Then you may wish to speak to my Steward. He will provide you with a bed and chest in the barracks."
Much Later...
(The Nahk) Erik studied the letter for a long moment. When he finally finished contemplating its message he set it down on the arm-rest of his throne, blue eyes blazing. "Your Nahk asks for control of Elbrethian land. And for what? The promise that his band of mountain-folk will not raid it? The right to train you fools for a pittance? Knowledge of some heathen faith?" he began, voice surprisingly calm, "No. You," he pointed to Commander Zacmar with the finger of his sword-hand, "will return to your Nahk and tell him that I do not accept the alliance. The others will stay here, in the stockades. Where bandits belong."
The Courtyard, Early Winter Morning...
(Zandor/The Crown) By the time Erik had reached the yard, a light snow had begun to fall, obscuring the scorch-marks and rubble that remained from the year's earlier fire. A light mist rose in the air with each breath, and Erik quickly sent Bjorn back inside, as he already worried for the old man's health enough as it was. The bloodied villager, Commander Leif had informed him the name was Zandor, had requested weapons and so a wagon had been prepared to travel with them and stocked with a variety of weapons, mostly spears, halberds, and maces. The King's new "personal guard", a collection of squires and pages green behind the ears and full of tales of chivalry and courage, milled about, preparing to set out. Erik did not feel comfortable riding into battle accompanied by squires and villagers, but not a man could be spared from defense for the endeavor. And, besides, had he not been the age of a squire when he first rode into battle at the side of his father's men?
It had been a crisp autumn day, the fallen twigs and leaves had snapped like bones beneath his mount's hooves and the knight he accompanied, a Sir Osvald, had joked that his hair would have made him the perfect candidate for conducting an ambush if the horse could be quiet for just a moment. They wouldn't need to prepare an ambush though, they knew where the bandits were hiding and it was a simple task to flush them out. On that day Erik had killed four men, and he could still remember their faces in vivid detail if he tried. Sir Osvald had been wounded in the fighting, and when all was said and done Erik had gone to visit him in his tent. There he had heard the knight's last words, and he remembered those too.
The King of Elbreth grit his teeth and tightened the grip of his mangled hand on the hilt of his father's longsword. He was still unsure if he would be able to fight with it, but he had been training with his off-hand for some time and, while not entirely confident in his abilities (the training had not been formal, as he refused to let members of his guard know the full extent of his weakness) he still felt he would at least be able to hold his own when battle found them. With a final nod to Commander Leif, who would remain behind while his King rode off to deal with the bandits, Erik mounted his warhorse and set out towards the gate.
King Erik raises a personal guard using the squires and pages, he then personally leads his guard to meet with Zandor's regiment and deal with the bandits. He brings with him weapons for the villagers in Zandor's regiment.