[DLV 6.2 AAR] The Danish House of Hen (Ch.17 Part 2 updated 20/08)

[Alwyn]

The tone of this provides a nice contrast to the action and conflict. While I can see what HulliganFish means about things going easily in the favour of Otgiva, I also know that we're seeing her through the eyes of a man who has fallen in love with her.

[Darkan]

Chapter 10 – The Second Assembly

The next morning we had gathered in the Assembly Hall. There were over a hundred men there, making noise and banging their swords, most asking for Erik’s blood. As Head of the Council of Nobles, Otto raised his hands and demanded silence. As soon as everyone quieted down and turned towards him, he spoke:

- My King, honoured nobles of the Council, we have assembled today to decide what our next step is. As you all now, Lord Magnus of the House of Knudsen, our Ruler and King, has returned from his successful campaigning in the north. Not only did he manage to take Kalmar, but has gone beyond what was requested of him by our late King Valdemar and has also taken Stockholm. Alas, he was unable to meet the rebel Sautes in battle.
- Forget Sautes, let’s cut off the head, let’s march for Erik, a few voices were heard.
- Erik is indeed our main concern, Admiral Jon spoke up, though we cannot ignore the threat Sautes possesses.
- Erik is the first to fall, I spoke. Lord Otto has kindly informed me that Erik now calls himself the Slayer of Kings and that he has vowed to kill three Danish Kings in his lifetime. I want to show him that the third king is slightly harder to kill. We will be marching against Erik as soon as we are ready.
- What of Sautes and his armies? Lord Otto inquired.
- They have to be dealt with, but for the time being we don’t know where he is, Jon said. However, we have Lord Finn Skovsgard and Lord Hakon of Skara near Lund and Lord Torben Tornekrans in Kalmar. As soon as any of them sends us information regarding Sautes we can and will march upon him.
- My Lords, I spoke, I asked that you assemble not to discuss what to do, but to tell you to prepare for the march south. I am sorry if I misled you but I have already made up my mind. Prepare your captains and your banners; we shan’t linger behind the walls too much.

With that I stood up and left the room, without paying attention to the nobles’ requests and petitions. I reached my father’s study and stopped. Before I even realised what was happening, Lord Otto came from behind me, opened the door, entered and waited for me to come in. I followed him inside, led more by the desire to relive the past, our last meeting, rather than curious to hear what Otto had to say.

- My King, he spoke, it is good to know we shall march soon. I only wanted to tell you that I did what I could, given the circumstances and that I wish to serve you better than your father and your brother. Allow me to make amends.
- Lord Otto, you need not worry as you will not be joining us.
- Why, my King, he seemed surprised, do you not deem me worthy? I served your father the best I could, though he always disliked me, but then again, it was hard to be liked by King Valdemar. Let me join you.
- Lord Otto, it is not that I find you unworthy, but this is something I must accomplish myself. There are plenty of fighting men with me, but there is nobody more experienced than you to take care of matters in Arhus, now that both Knud and Harald are dead. That is why you must stay here.

With that, I left my father’s study, realising at that precise instant that it was my father’s no more. I went looking for Jon and found him in the harbour. I told him about my discussion with Otto.

- It is strange, Jon said, as Otto is getting rather old and, though an accomplished general, he should think more to his retirement than to battles.
- Why is it so strange, I asked, clearly he feels he let my brother down when fleeing the battle but what could he have done?
- I don’t know, Jon said.

We went and inspected the troops. There were many new recruits and many more banners had been formed. Outside the city walls there were several banners of spear militia as well as a few weaker town militia banners, formed from the newly recruited peasants and town folk. There were also archers, most notably the two Norse banners that had followed me since the beginning of this campaign but the lack of cavalry worried me, as we would be less mobile on the battlefield. Since we had assembled with little notice, we only had a company of scouts, barring the nobles that would march south and their retinues. Even so, what little cavalry we had would be used nonetheless.

Magnus' hastily conscripted army, on the march south

It took no more than a few days for the entire army to prepare for departure and so, before the rising of the sun on the fourth day, we were on our way. I felt better now that we left the city, I could clear my head and focus. We marched for five days, passing through the countryside, past half empty villages, refugees and wanderers. Hearing that we marched south to oppose Erik, many peasants joined our ranks, eager to fight under the King’s command even though we had no weapons for them. This created problems as we didn’t have enough food for the entire army so we had to requisition grain from the peasants that hadn’t yet left their homes. Even though this campaign was going to be short, we took all precautions. By the end of the fifth day the scouts reported having seen Erik’s own scouting parties. We decided to make camp and rest but then a group of three riders were seen approaching. As soon as they got close enough to make themselves heard, they said they were sent by Erik to parlay with the commander of the army and asked permission to approach. Angrily, I summoned the captain of the archers and told him to bring the first squad.

Lord Erik Rosen's messengers

Arrows flew towards the messengers but landed short of where they had stopped. A second volley flew, landing closer, and then a third, ever closer to them. No words were needed, they had got the message; there would be no parlay. As they rode away, orders were given to start setting up the camp. I went to my tent and summoned Jon and the other nobles. After establishing our strategy and assigning orders, they left, leaving me. Once more I went back and forth between the past events, trying to unravel the things that had led to here, but above all, thoughts of Otgiva came first. I realised our wedding would have been around this time, wishful thinking from a gone past. Instead, I was here, in camp, surrounded by warriors, getting ready once more to ride into battle. She waited for me, without complaining, this she had told me, but I couldn’t help but feel I was putting her through hard times, dragging her into what was now my new world, a world full of death. Time would solve all issues, one way or another, now I had to focus on the task set before me.

[NorseThing]

Interesting on the use of the archers to answer a call to parley.

[Alwyn]

Nicely done, I enjoyed reading about the Slayer of Kings and the nicely dry humour in the line about the third king being 'slightly harder' to kill. It sounds like the army is large but tends to be militia rather than fully trained soldiers and (as you said) lacking in cavalry. I imagine that winning with the army will be an enjoyable challenge!

[Turkafinwë]

I finally caught up and I must say, wow, what a story so far. Magnus has already seen so much and at such a young age. I eagerly await to see how he develops even further in the story. As for Otgiva, I have a special place in my heart for her. Maybe it's because I'm from Flanders (Brabant) myself. I wouldn't trust her though, as HulliganFish has pointed out, everything seems to be going her way. That's never a good sign especially in medieval times.

[Darkan]

Thank you everyone for you comments and praises. Unfortunately I've had a full weekend and this week will be quite busy, but have no fear, a new chapter will be up Saturday-ish.

Interesting on the use of the archers to answer a call to parley.

I imagine it was more of a spur of the moment thing.

Nicely done, I enjoyed reading about the Slayer of Kings and the nicely dry humour in the line about the third king being 'slightly harder' to kill. It sounds like the army is large but tends to be militia rather than fully trained soldiers and (as you said) lacking in cavalry. I imagine that winning with the army will be an enjoyable challenge!

Magnus' army is basically two smaller ones. On the one hand you have his few veterans and better equiped nobles, but scores of poorly trained soldiers as well. As for the battle, what can I say...

I finally caught up and I must say, wow, what a story so far. Magnus has already seen so much and at such a young age. I eagerly await to see how he develops even further in the story. As for Otgiva, I have a special place in my heart for her. Maybe it's because I'm from Flanders (Brabant) myself. I wouldn't trust her though, as HulliganFish has pointed out, everything seems to be going her way. That's never a good sign especially in medieval times.

Thank you, I'm happy you are enjoying it. Indeed, Magnus' road is still ahead of him. As for Otgiva, I'm sure you and HulliganFish see ghosts where there aren't any. Right?

[Darkan]

Chapter 11 – The Lord

I tried to get some sleep, though the imminent battle wouldn’t let me. As I lay there my thoughts kept going back and forth between my father, Knud, the battle and Otgiva. I tried to send them away but failed. Soon I began to feel tired; I dozed off, surrounded by the sounds of the camp, the distant voices of the soldiers or the occasional neighing of the horses. I was awoken by the sound of footsteps outside my tent, a few voices whispering and I distinctly heard someone approaching my tent entrance. I opened my eyes, gripped one of the daggers in my left hand and prepared myself to strike. That moment soon expanded, as if hours had passed and not just seconds. I heard the entrance cloth being pushed aside and the slow pace of a man heading towards me. I waited, wondering how the assassin had gotten past my guards, felt him closer and I suddenly turned around, knife in hand, pointing at the man’s face. I stopped myself within inches of his startled gaze. Though much thinner and less lively than I remembered him, covered in a heavy and dirty peasants’ cloak, I recognized him. I threw myself in his arms and, unable to stop myself, started shouting.

- Harald, is it you or am I dreaming? Is father with you, Knud?
- Be still, my child, he said. Don’t speak loudly; there are many traitorous ears in your camp.
- Harald, I said, regaining my composure, what has happened? I was told you were dead yet here you are.
- I know, I know. Now you must listen to me, terrible things are happening and you are in grave danger.
- What do you mean?

Harald then told me what had really happened. He and my father were going to see Erik, as my father had wished, but before reaching him they had been ambushed. They were caught by surprise and before they could react a lot of my father’s bodyguards had been killed.

- At first we didn’t know what was happening but soon I heard King Valdemar order the attack. I was thrown off my horse so I started to crawl away from the fighting. Suddenly a horse stopped in front of me and a voice said “Where are you going, old man?” and when I looked up…it was Glum.
- What do you mean, it was Glum, I asked in awe, Lord Glum Ingvarsen?
- He grabbed me, smiled and stabbed me in the chest. Before I blacked out, I heard Valdemar shouting “I will kill you Glum, like the dog you are and then I will go for your master.” So you see, Erik didn’t kill Valdemar, it was Lord Otto all along.

I was dumbstruck. I stared at Harald and, seeing that I didn’t respond, he grabbed and shook me.

- Do you understand?
- Not entirely, I said. Why didn’t you go and see Knud, why didn’t you warn him and how did you get here now without being noticed?
- I couldn’t see Knud because I was severely wounded. Glum thought he had killed me so they left. I was found by some peasants and taken to their home. They tended to my wounds and helped me recover. Then one day, several men came to the town and started recruiting soldiers for Knud. I thought about leaving with them but I was still bedridden, I kept losing my consciousness and I had high fever.

Harald, wounded

- How did you know I was here?
- Two of the peasants’ sons are in your army, I first sought them out and they helped me get to you.
- What are we to do now? Erik still killed Knud.
- I don’t think so, Harald said. Who told you this?
- Many, but it was Lord Otto that knew more.
- He is a traitor Magnus, you mustn’t trust him. You must go see Erik right away, like your father intended. I shall come with you.
- Let me send for Jon, I want you to tell him what you told me.
- There is no time but if you wish I will tell him once we get under way. You must see Erik before tomorrow or else I am afraid it would be too late.

I went outside my tent and I saw two soldiers waiting there. They were the ones Harald had told me about. I sent them to get Jon and then ordered them to secretly prepare five horses and wait for us outside the camp, near a small forest. An hour later we were already galloping towards Erik’s camp, Harald and Jon riding close to me and the two soldiers acting as our vanguard. We didn’t have to ride too long until we ran into the first of Erik’s banners. They stopped us and to my surprise, upon realizing who we were and what we wanted, they let us go and even provided an escort. Soon we got to Erik’s camp and were hailed by one of the guards.

One of Erik's camp guards, heavily armed and armoured

Seeing our escort, he let us pass and we were taken to Erik’s tent. Harald was the first to enter, followed by Jon. I went in as well and was surprised to see that Lord Erik was nothing like I had imagined him. He was very tall and was built like an ox, though his age was revealed by his grey hair. He got up from his seat, looked straight at me and to my surprise, knelt before he spoke.

- Your Highness, I am your humble servant.

I didn’t know how to react. Jon stood silent, looking at me but I was nervous, after all this was the man I had come south to kill. Up until Harald came to my tent this man had been the Slayer of Kings and now here he was, kneeling. I didn’t know what to say and to my relief, it was Harald that spoke first.

- Lord Erik Rosen, noble of the Kingdom of the Danes, we have come before you to seek answers.
- What answers does my King need from his vassal and servant? He asked, still kneeling.
- Rise, Lord Erik, I finally said, we are here to talk…for now.

So we talked, all through the night. Harald told him about my father’s death, the ambush and about Glum acting on behalf of Otto. When asked whether it was true that Knud had indeed been slain on the battlefield, Erik was very surprised. He told us that not only had he not met Knud in battle, but that no army had come against him before the one led by myself. He had waited for King Valdemar, my father to come to him but he had never arrived. He then had sent riders to the capital but they had also been ambushed and only a few returned, telling him they had been attacked before reaching Arhus. He had then contemplated the idea to take his entire army north, but then realized that his enemies, among them Otto, would use this against him. He had also heard about the presence of Sautes and had thought about marching against him but as he lacked the necessary ships to take his army, he had abandoned this plan as well.

- As for Knud, he said, I also sent messengers to see him but undoubtedly Otto managed to intercept them all.
- It might very well be so, Harald said, as Otto had managed to gain Knud’s trust and thus manipulate him.

We realized Otto had lied to us about Knud’s death and had blamed Erik for it in order to blind me and force me to march against him without delay, which had indeed happened. Had it not been for Harald, I would have attacked Erik and gave Otto time to strengthen his position and defeat the one that won the battle, be it Erik or myself.

- Otto presented me as a traitor because he knew how close I was to the King, your father, Erik said to me. I don’t know what his plan was, but in order to get to Valdemar, I had to be eliminated.
- I still don’t understand why, Jon said. What could he have gain from killing Valdemar and Knud?
- That is something I plan to ask him in person, I said.

I told them I wanted to punish both Otto and Glum. As Glum’s estates were closer than Arhus, I decided that would be our first stop. We had to travel fast and stealthily, however, and so we decided to march at once. Erik and Jon wanted to go with me, as did Harald, but we couldn’t forget about Otto, who was still in Arhus. I asked Erik about the state of his army, as my own was still tired and hadn’t had enough time to rest. In order to travel as I wanted, he suggested we only take a few banners of spears and maybe archers.

- Then so be it, I said, you and I will go and confront Glum.
- I cannot be left behind milord, Jon protested.
- And you will not be, I replied. I cannot trust the nobles that have come with us, not all anyway. The both of you, I told Jon and Harald, are to go back to Arhus and arrest Otto until I return.

We had decided what to do and as we were preparing to leave, he asked me to stay a moment longer. Harald and Jon went outside and I sat down, waiting for Erik to speak.

- Milord, he said, I know this is hard for you. One can only imagine how it must feel to sit across the table from the man you believed killed both your father and brother, but…
- There is no need for this, I replied, it has been proven that you had no part in their deaths so let us leave it at that.
- My King, Erik spoke again, I still feel responsible for their deaths. Perhaps if I hadn’t left Arhus, if I had stayed and spoken to the King instead of running away…
- No matter, the past cannot be changed, I interrupted him again.
- I understand, he said, but I wish to assure you I shall not make the same mistake again. I wish to present my nephew to you, my sister’s son as I have no children of my own.

A young knight joined us, took off his helmet and bowed.

- This is Asmund Edmundsen, my nephew and a brave knight. I wanted to ask you to accept him among your retainers and bodyguards.
- What are your thoughts on this, I turned to Asmund, do you agree with your uncle?
- It would be an honour to serve you, my King. I shall gladly give my life to defend yours, he said.
- Then I welcome you, we are in need of strong arms in times such as these, I spoke. Rise, Asmund Edmundsen, knight of Denmark and retainer of the King.

I joined Harald and Jon outside and told them to leave for Arhus at once, taking with them whatever they needed. I wished them well and watched them leave, accompanied by an escort of twenty riders of Eric’s men. They were to march with the army to Arhus and arrest Lord Otto Falk under charges of treason and murder.

It was done. We had marched all the way here only to find out that the real enemy was closer than we had imagined. I couldn’t have suspected Otto of treachery. My father hadn’t trusted him but no one could have seen this coming. He had been close to Knud, guiding and helping him in his tasks though I understood it had been only a ruse in order to gain his confidence and maybe, use the distance between my father and Knud to his advantage. It was with these thoughts that I rode north again, but this time I knew who had really killed my father and I planned to punish him without delay. Otto’s betrayal however made me think who else could have been involved. I would have to solve this problem and fast, if I didn’t want to be caught by surprise again. For now, knowing that I was finally going in the right direction gave me strength though this sudden change of enemies and the seemingly chaotic turn of events made me realise I was less prepared to be king than I had previously thought.

[NorseThing]

Wow!!! What a turn of the 'Erik' event!

[Turkafinwë]

What a plot twist. It seems the Danish court is like a pit filled with snakes. Magnus needs to be careful or he will not call himself King for long.
Great update!

[Alwyn]

Good chapter, these sound like dangerous times, in which it is difficult to know who to trust. Asmund Edumdsen sounds like a useful addition to the retinue of Magnus.

[Darkan]

Wow!!! What a turn of the 'Erik' event!

Thank you. You can imagine how I felt when I was writing the story and realised this would happen.

What a plot twist. It seems the Danish court is like a pit filled with snakes. Magnus needs to be careful or he will not call himself King for long.
Great update!

Thanks and indeed, the Danish court will feel some changes. At least Magnus now knows what to do, or at least where to go.

Good chapter, these sound like dangerous times, in which it is difficult to know who to trust. Asmund Edumdsen sounds like a useful addition to the retinue of Magnus.

Much obliged, yes, there are dangers but hopefully Magnus can rely on the recent additions to his side. There's work to do after all.

Thanks for everybody's support. I think I'll do bi-weekly updates, mainly because I started working (yay me) and I have less time to play (though I am ahead of the story). It will just keep things with slightly less pressure though. Enjoy!

Chapter 12 – The First

We made good time marching north, the men had been told we were going to arrest Lord Glum under charges of treachery, though, knowing his impulsive and violent character, I had no doubt we would have to fight him. I only hoped his troops would change sides upon knowing it was the King that had arrived and possibly turn him to us. We pushed the horses and the men hard and very soon we arrived within sight of Glum’s castle. Erik advised me it would be better to try and talk to him first and send a messenger with our demands that he surrender and stand trial so we sent five riders to the castle gates and then proceeded to giving orders should he refuse. Half an hour later the messengers returned and told us how the meeting had gone.

[ACCOUNT OF THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN GLUM AND THE ENVOY]

We arrived there just when Lord Glum was returning from a hunt. He had already heard about the army's arrival here but he didn’t know who the commander was. After we told him we were under the King’s direct command, he asked us which king we were talking about. We told him we were here to ask he lay down his weapons and come with us but he laughed, pointed at the castle walls and said Your Grace should come get him yourself. Then without further words he galloped away and entered the courtyard.

It was clear Glum wouldn’t surrender and when I asked the messengers about whether his men would lay down his weapons, they told me Glum only had mercenaries with him and, to their knowledge, no Danish troops.

- Then it will be a fight, I said, make sure we build battering rams and enough ladders.

We started the siege and prepared for battle the best we could. I gave Erik the command of the spears and Asmund the command of the archer banners.

The Battle against Glum

The construction of the battering rams and the ladders lasted for the better part of the day so we decided to attack at nightfall.
As previously agreed, the archers took position further away from the castle walls, but still within arrow range.

Asmund kept his archers back

The battering ram and ladder men were ordered to assault at the same time, in order not to let the enemy strengthen one position, though it proved to be a mistake, as soon lit arrows from the walls flew down at the mass of soldiers moving forward.

Glum's archers peppered the king's infantry

Asmund didn't wait for orders, he advanced the archers who started firing, trying to provide a minimum cover for the infantry manoeuvring the battering ram that had been placed in front of the main entrance.

Overview of Glum's castle and moat

As soon as the gate had been breached, I charged the enemy archers inside the courtyard.

Danish nobles led by the king charging the enemy archers

Glum charged us and soon our forces found themselves in hand to hand combat. I was striking left and right when I saw Glum trying to clear away from the melee.

Glum, the traitor

I struck him with the power of a thousand furies; I struck him so hard that he fell dead on the spot.

The killing blow

After he died I imagined the battle was over, but still a group of fanatics managed to resist on the walls, killing scores of my spearmen.

Some of Glum's men kept fighting

Soon however they were overcome and the battle ended, though with many more losses than I had predicted, or accepted. I had underestimated Glum and his troops’ determination to fight and only upon a recount did I understand how close I had been to losing.

No enemies survived, though none had been intended to

After the battle we gathered the dead and tended to the wounded, letting them rest until morning. The following day, Erik and I, accompanied by several pages and squires, had searched the entire castle for papers and anything that would shed more light on my father’s and brother’s deaths but apart from some ledgers showing Glum’s payments to his mercenary troops there was little else. It was time for us to return to Arhus and deal with Otto and make him tell us who else was involved. We left the troops we had brought to garrison the castle, repair it and start patrolling the area looking for more stray troops or outlaws, sent messengers to all surrounding villages to tell them that Lord Glum had died and until a new noble would be given the lands, they would belong to the Crown itself and only then Erik and I left for Arhus.

[Turkafinwë]

Nice one! One traitor down, another one to go. I like the fact that Glum was clever enough to use mercenaries instead of Danish troops. It is one thing to fight against another Lord of the realm, it is a whole other thing to fight against your King. For most people in Europe in the middle ages it would be high treason and blasphemy. Nice touch that it is Magnus himself to take down the traitor. This should strengthen his position as king amongst the nobles and peasants alike.

On another note, congratulations on your employment, may it last in these times of job uncertainty (it's like that here in Belgium but I reckon it's pretty bad everywhere in that regard).

[Alwyn]

I agree with Turkafinwë, the use of mercenaries by the traitor makes sense and I agree that the personal involvement of Magnus at the end should be good for his reputation.

I hope you enjoy your new job, making updates bi-weekly sounds like a good plan.

[NorseThing]

I had not thought about before reading this update and the comments, but all of you are right that the mercenaries are a wonderful touch and most logical as well.

[Darkan]

Nice one! One traitor down, another one to go. I like the fact that Glum was clever enough to use mercenaries instead of Danish troops. It is one thing to fight against another Lord of the realm, it is a whole other thing to fight against your King. For most people in Europe in the middle ages it would be high treason and blasphemy. Nice touch that it is Magnus himself to take down the traitor. This should strengthen his position as king amongst the nobles and peasants alike.

I agree with Turkafinwë, the use of mercenaries by the traitor makes sense and I agree that the personal involvement of Magnus at the end should be good for his reputation.

I had not thought about before reading this update and the comments, but all of you are right that the mercenaries are a wonderful touch and most logical as well.

Thank you! Indeed, mercenaries were in use at the time, perhaps less so against one's own king. Regarding the traitors, at least Magnus seemed to have found his clear enemy, or at least his next step. I wanted Magnus to strike the killing blow, which in gameplay terms meant risking his life, but I was graced with that photo.

On another note, congratulations on your employment, may it last in these times of job uncertainty (it's like that here in Belgium but I reckon it's pretty bad everywhere in that regard).

I hope you enjoy your new job, making updates bi-weekly sounds like a good plan.

Thank you, advantages and disadvantages. A job means more money but less time for Magnus.

[Darkan]

Chapter 13 – The Run

We arrived in Arhus the following day and sent for Harald and Jon. They arrived and gave me terrible news: Otto had heard we marched against Glum and that we found out of his betrayal and had consequently fled the city. Nobody knew where he had gone, nobody had heard anything. We searched his estate in the capital but there was nobody there, no servants, no maids. Furthermore, a few banners of the city’s garrison had also disappeared in thin air and nobody knew how or where. We questioned the gate guards until we found out Otto had taken the missing banners under the pretext that he was marching to my aid. Harald and Jon told me that on their march to Arhus they had encountered neither troops nor signs of soldiers marching through. The only possibility would have been by sea, but no ships, apart from the ones in the seafaring charters had been spotted in the harbour or near the coasts close to the city.

- He couldn’t have disappeared without a trace, I yelled at those that were with me. By God, can I not trust anyone? This city is full of traitorous dogs and blood sucking leeches.
- My King, Harald spoke, there is no need for you to despair, we…
- Despair? Do you think this is despair? I kept yelling. I do not despair, dear Cardinal, I spat, I am mad, I am disappointed and angry. Guards, I shouted at the four guards outside the Council Chambers, arrest those that were on gate duty the day Otto left, from the lowest soldier to their officers.
- My King, Erik intervened, this is too much. You mustn’t act rashly…
- You, I turned to him, sticking my finger in his face, don’t you dare talk. It is your fault my father is dead, my brother. You valued your life more than your king’s and you ran, like a coward.
I turned my back on them, went to the King’s Seat and looked around the room. There were empty seats all around, seats that belonged to nobles of the realm, seats that were given to only the most trusted. Empty seats where the Council would gather to decide one thing or another, but nobody had gathered here when it mattered most, when TWO kings had fallen to betrayal. If snakes like Otto and Glum had managed to hold council seats, who knew how many others were involved. I could trust none of them, I would have to do everything myself or die trying and I had no plans to give my life easy or have it be taken away from me.

- Snakes and demons, I shouted standing up from my seat, this Council is full of snakes and demons. I will dissolve the council, take everyone’s titles and lands and I will shatter those that oppose me.

I went outside before Erik, Harald or Jon could say anything, rushed past them and through the hallways towards my father’s study, though I could hear they were following me. I entered, ran into a servant that was cleaning the room, hit him and then told him to summon the garrison quartermaster. I took out several pieces of parchment and began writing the same thing on them, over and over again. Moments later the quartermaster arrived, pale and concerned, accompanied by Erik, Harald and Jon. They had probably told him I was angry so he just stood there, waiting, without saying a word. I handed him the parchments.

- Send messengers at once, I am summoning an Assembly. All nobles of the realm are to report to Arhus immediately, as well as their vassals. I want them all to come to Arhus.
- My King, Jon said after the quartermaster left, may I ask what your plan is? Surely it will take a long time until they arrive and time is something we do not have.
- The Council of Nobles ceases to exist as of this night. I have summoned the nobles at the Assembly only to find out which of them are traitors, which of them knew of Otto’s plan.
- But milord, Harald intervened, this is impossible. You cannot disband the Council; the nobles will all turn against you. Jon, please go and stop the quartermaster from delivering those letters.
Jon dashed out of the room before I had a chance to say anything. I wanted to go after him but Erik promptly closed the door and put himself against it as did Harald. For many minutes we just stood there, I looking at them with disbelief, the two of them standing against the door. I grew angrier and angrier and just as I was about to throw myself at them and find a way out, we heard a knock on the door. Erik opened it and it was Jon.

- My Lords, he addressed Erik and Harald, we must leave the King now as Lady Otgiva is here to see him. Your majesty, he turned to me, we will not be far should you need us.

As simple as that the three men left and Otgiva entered my father’s study, closing the door behind her. I looked at her but I was still angry so I turned my back on her, went to the cabinet and poured myself a cup of wine, taking the wine jug with me. I sat down behind my father’s desk, my desk, and started to drink, without paying attention to Otgiva. She sat down but remained silent, as if she didn’t dare speak, but it was only to provoke me and make me talk instead. “Damn Jon, I thought, why did he have to go and get Otgiva?” I looked up at her, she looked at me and smiled but still she kept silent.

- Jon is a devil in disguise, I said, he had to run and get you. What did he think this would accomplish?
- Jon is your friend, she said, and he worries for you, just as Harald does.
I wasn’t in the mood to talk to Otgiva now. I wanted to tell her to leave me alone but I dared not and besides, I had a feeling she wouldn’t listen to me anyway. I was decided to dissolve the Council of Nobles. I couldn’t trust the nobles anymore, not after all that I had learnt. I finished my wine and stood up, pacing around the room. I felt trapped between my desire to be alone and my inability to tell Otgiva to leave. I also thought about the traitors, about the troops that had left Arhus following Otto. My mind raced, trying to find answers to no questions in particular.

- Traitors, all of them. They killed my father and brother and they will hang for it, I said, though talking to myself.
- What about your friends, Otgiva asked, what have they done wrong?
- I have no friends, I am alone, they made sure of that, I said angrily.
Otgiva rose from her seat, came to me and grabbed my hand. She led me to one of the cushioned benches in the study and made me lay down. She put my head in her lap and spoke, while massaging my forehead.

- You should not abandon your friends at a time like this. Jon has been closest to you, as has Lord Tornekrans and Harald and Erik wish to help you; do not turn them away. You have suffered more than I could imagine, but this doesn’t mean you have to take revenge on the wrong people. You are King now, whether you like it or not and you must see things in a broader perspective. Yes, your foremost desire is to punish Otto, but in doing so you mustn’t destroy yourself or the kingdom. Surely there are people you trust, men such as Jon that will stay at your side. Think about it, my love, and know that I too am here for you.

Otgiva talked like the skilled diplomat she was, realising I was upset, though it was more than that. She told me I needed all the help I could get, especially during times such as these, especially from people that had the best interest to protect the Crown and myself. She even assured me that, if the case may be, she could send messengers to her father and maybe manage to obtain a small force.

- After all, she said, Denmark is my home too.

Her words soothed me; her touch calmed me more and more. I understood that our future wedding would bring more than just an alliance with the Flemish and more than a Queen for the Danish people. She would mean much more than this. I got up and put my arms around her. There, in the study, under the roof where everything had started, I understood Otgiva would finally bring peace not only to the kingdom, but also to the King, to me. I gazed into her big eyes, trying not to cry of emotion and slowly kissed her. Her kiss had been more turbulent than I could have imagined. Her lips responded to mine and with this kiss we sealed the bond between us more than a marriage ever could have. In our hearts we already belonged to each other. For the first time I felt safe, safer than I imagined and able to accomplish what I had started. She gave me strength and I would try to give her the safety a woman feels in the arms of her loved one. I wanted her to feel this way even when I would be away from her.

- Thank you, I said.

I had completely forgotten I had been overcome by anger, but it had only been so because I didn’t really know what to do, but now that I felt she would be at my side and I at hers, I felt strong enough. I got up from her arms, thanked her once more and then sent for Jon, Harald and Erik.

- I am sorry my friends, I said as soon as they entered, I shouldn’t have blamed you.
- We understand your Majesty, Harald said, be assured that we will be here to offer council and talk to you as often as you need us to.
- I am in need of your council right now, I spoke. For that reason I asked Otgiva to attend our meeting.
- As our future Queen, I completely agree, Erik said and bowed.
- Thank you for your trust, Otgiva said.

We then started to talk about the problems we faced and what their possible solutions were. Our main priorities were Otto and Sautes and we knew neither of their locations. Apart from that, there were also the large numbers of refugees and the many half empty villages throughout the kingdom. There was also the matter of Stockholm and Kalmar, under-garrisoned and without adequate protection. The state of the army was somewhat better as I could use Erik’s troops as well as my own. I agreed with Harald’s proposal to assemble the Council of Nobles so messengers were sent to summon only the members. The only ones that could not join were Lord Finn Skovsgard and Lord Torben Tornekrans, therefore I tasked Erik and Harald to travel there and get them. Erik was supposed to go to Finn, north of Lund and Harald would stop in Kalmar. They left at once, saying they would travel together. They would need a week to arrive there and back again, time which I planned to use to calm the peasants’ fears and raise more troops. Jon remained with me in Arhus in order to help me.

Two days after the meeting, I left accompanied by Otgiva and her Flemish retinue to show them the outskirts of Arhus, a few villages, a couple of domains and castles. Just as we were returning from our trip and entering the city, I was greeted by Jon. I excused myself from Otgiva and the Flemish nobles and left with Jon. He led me towards the harbour and told me Svend had contacted him.

- Where is he now, I asked Jon, in the harbour?
- No, I sent him to Lund, he will wait there with Erik, should he arrive in time, Jon replied.
- In time for what?
- You remember I sent Svend to look for Sautes, after he brought us news of your father’s death?
- I do, I said. Has he found him?
- Indeed he has, though you will not like it. Svend was taken captive by Sautes’ men and taken to Finn’s castle. It is there that he saw Finn and Sautes together. Finn is…
- …working with Otto, I continued Jon’s words. Ready the ships then, we must sail.
- I already gave the orders, soon the army will be aboard and we can leave.

[Alwyn]

Snakes and demons indeed! These sound like dangerous times - firm action is needed against traitors but will firm action turn more nobles against the King? It sounds like the calm judgment and diplomatic skills of Otgiva are important in these difficult days.

[Darkan]

Snakes and demons indeed! These sound like dangerous times - firm action is needed against traitors but will firm action turn more nobles against the King? It sounds like the calm judgment and diplomatic skills of Otgiva are important in these difficult days.

Exactly!

[Turkafinwë]

Magnus still needs to learn much of what it means to be a king and Otgiva is really a nice asset for Magnus and the Danish Kingdom in that regard. Not everything can be solved with brute force. Magnus the Warrior will have to change into Magnus the King if the Danish are to survive.

A great continuation to be sure!

[NorseThing]

I agree with all the comments. Otgiva is indeed an interesting character you are developing here. As to the dissolution of the Council. I agree the Council should be dissolved, but reform it with the assembly of the Nobles. It may even be interesting to ask them for their personal loyalty to be on the newly reformed council.