Chapter 2

As it turned out, the next few days were very profitable for our little ad-hoc group. First and foremost the return of Hrothgar's Locket to Lady Isolde Rourke in the more Well-to-do Part of Town not only netted us the Lady's Gratitude and a thousand Gold Danter reward but also netted us an invitation to the Court of Lord Cadfael. Apparently, Lady Isolde had become one of Lord Cadfael's advisors, and that opened doors for us with the Lord of Cadfael Island and Master of Caer Jannath.

There was also the matter of the sale of all the gear that we were going to sell. Between selling off the masterwork equipment and some of the unwanted magical items, each of us gained six-thousand-two-hundred-fifty Gold Amnian Danter. Of course, selling that much gear and equipment required time and a hefty discount in the sale price due to it being used equipment. After all, the amount of people who would buy, for instance, a vial of Giant Wasp Venom or a slightly magical spear, was limited on an Island like this. It was still well worth the sale price we did get.

Mind you, even with a discount, we couldn't find anyone who was willing to buy the Moderately Magical Periapt of Wisdom. That, it seemed, was simply too much magic item to be easily sellable by anyone on Cadfael Island. Possibly no one in the entire Jannath's Tears Archipelago could handle that kind of magic equipment, though apparently there might be someone in Jannathstaad or Heartharbor who might be able to take that kind of item and sell it through connections with Northlander Raiders or Halfling Smugglers respectively. It didn't much matter to us, however, since we didn't have a ship to sail to either location. Any talk about going to Janathstaad or Heartharbor was a moot point accordingly.

Regardless, Janessa, Grimnir, and I were riding high on our successful destruction of the Bullywugs in the Old Sewer Tunnels. I personally had gained two levels, though I suspected I was the only one of the three of us who could consciously quantify increases in power like that thanks to my out-of-context knowledge. However, judging from conversations I'd had with Janessa and Grimnir, I could judge them both as also having gained multiple levels, with Janessa having gained three and Grimnir having gained two, putting us all at level four.

Three days had gone by like that when we were summoned to Caer Jannath by Lord Cadfael. Apparently, he had decided to force the issue of our invitation, since we were apparently not inclined to visit the castle on our own accord. The Guards who came to the Selkie's Lament to get us were led by a leather armor-clad, platinum-blonde, mountain of a Northman. Arnuth Rognvaldsson, Chief Harborwarden of the Port.

He gave us ten minutes to collect our gear before we headed for Caer Jannath, so we did. I personally gathered everything I owned, just in case we were headed for an enforced stay as 'guests' of Lord Cadfael. We had stolen Luskan Stout from the lockup, after all. Such an enforced stay might be considered leniency out of thanks for getting rid of the Bullywugs like we had. It would be better than a stay in the dungeons, which meant that I'd want all my stuff with me since I probably wouldn't be allowed back here.

As he led us out into the town and up to Caer Jannath, I studied the Chief Harborwarden's equipment. His Leather Armor was a set of Slightly Magical Plus One Leather Armor, and he had a pair of Gauntlets of Ogre Power and a pair of Slightly Magical Boots of Striding Plus Two. I couldn't really tell what the enchantment was on his Mace, my Spellcraft wasn't that good bard or not, which meant that it had to be something that wasn't common. Given he also had a mundane, if masterwork, cudgel for police work as well, it was likely something lethal too. I didn't dare try casting Identify, though. He might take it as a hostile action and start attacking accordingly.

At any rate, he led us out of the part of town built of wood, through the more Well-To-Do side of town, and up onto a stairway that ran up alongside the cliffs overlooking the sea to Castle Jannath beyond. As we entered through the gates of Castle Jannath, past a group of Guards in chainmail armor with large steel shields, longbows, and spears, I got my first look at how the castle was actually laid out. There were three wards to the castle, the Middle Ward, the Upper Ward, and the Lower Ward.

Folks entering by land entered into the Middle Ward, like we did. Here was a courtyard within the walls where the folks who serviced the Garrison lived. The Barracks for the Guards were here, as were the stables for what few horses were actually kept here, along with a well fed from a cistern in case of siege, a blacksmith, and a tavern, as well as a few homes for specific people, like the Castle's Armorer, Innkeeper, and the Stablehands.

Stretching down along the side of the cliff was a long stone stairwell that led down to the Lower Ward, which held a small, fortified dock for the quartet of small Naval Cutters along with housing for naval crews and some servant quarters. We weren't shown down there personally, but found that out by asking Arnuth where the stairs led. The man was a terse conversationalist, however, only ever saying what was needed to get the point across, I got the feeling he was miffed we'd gotten past him using the sewers and stopped asking questions after that first one.

Arnuth eventually led us into the Upper Ward which was through a second, smaller gate that was also guarded by guards in mail with spears and shields. In here were a number of outbuildings, another cistern-fed well, the castle armory, a training hall for the guards, the kitchens, and housing for the most important of the Castle's servants and non-Lordly Residents. These included the Captain of the Guard, the Stablemaster, the Captains of each of the four, small, naval cutters, and so on.

Eventually, however, we were led through one last set of iron-banded oaken gates and into the Castle Keep. We were led straight to the throne room. A long hall with high, vaulted, ceilings lined with stone columns that held the various courtiers and functionaries in recessed galleries. At the very end, just before reaching the magnificently done stained glass windows, was a stepped dais with a throne set in front of a triangular alcove. Three banners on which a trio of Coats of Arms of the leading Noble Families of the Court were emblazoned hung behind the throne. In the middle, the white, brown, and green clover knotwork banner of the Cadfael Family hung proudly just above the throne. To its right, the intricate red and green knotwork of the Mostyn Family Hung, symbolizing that family's traditional position as the strong right arm of House Cadfael. To its left, the simpler Green, Brown, and Red knotwork of the Rourke Family hung, showing Isolde's position as Lord Cadfael's advisor.

Of course, the throne room wasn't empty, either. As impressive as the architecture and furnishings were, this hall was meant to be occupied. Seated on the throne, a stern-faced, silver-haired, Older Man in brown and green lordly robes with intricate embroidery gazed down at us. To his right, a red-bearded, long-haired, Man in Moderately Magical Breastplate Armor, with Slightly Magical Boots and Gauntlets, and a Slightly Magical Green and Red Tabard, and wearing a Moderately Magical Longsword belted at his waist stood watch, face impassive. I couldn't identify any of his gear, which meant it was rare, powerful, or possibly both. Isolde stood to his left, in her customary white, red, and green gown with shawl. Standing just to the right and behind the throne was an attractive, young, brunette woman in a Green, Brown, and White Gown, a goblet of wine in one hand.

These were, aside from Isolde, Lord Cadfael, his Guard Captain, Rhys Mostyn, and his Daughter Lady Morwen Cadfael. Nor were these the only people in the Hall. As we entered and made our way over toward the gathered people, Arnuth went to stand by a man in a Slightly Magical Chain Shirt Plus Two, Magical Pauldrons of Healing that were engraved with Healing Runes and glowed faintly with shimmering light, a pair of Slightly Magical Copper-Banded Leather, Boots of the Battle Charger, a pair of Moderately Magical Brute Gauntlets, a Slightly Magical Leather Belt of Dexterity Plus Two, and with a Slightly Magical Longsword Plus One belted onto his waist. That had to be Harbormaster Daffyd, the Harbormaster and Chief Tax Collector of Caer Jannath.

I also spotted the bald, white-bearded, form of High Captain Ottarsson of the Temple of Valkur in his Blue and Yellow Priestly Vestments, along with a halfling whose leather armor, boots, belt, and twin blades were just as mystifying to my attempts to identify them as Rhys Mostyn's had been. Likewise, a Blonde, Bearded, Northlander in a Circlet and Hide Armor trimmed in fur with a battleaxe and shield slung across his back had his magical gear likewise elude my attempts to identify it.

Unfortunately, as we came to a halt in front of the dais, there was no more time to make another attempt at the identification of items. The time had come to find out why we were here. I bowed to Lord Cadfael and Janessa and Grimnir did likewise. He gazed down at us as we waited for him to allow us to rise for a few moments, likely trying to make us sweat.

"Rise." He commanded. We did so, straightening as Lord Cadfael continued to speak.

"So, you are the three who solved our Bullywug Problem. For that, I am thankful. However, Harbormaster Daffyd tells me that a keg of Luskan Stout that he had impounded went mysteriously missing around the same time that the sewers were cleared of that problem. I am told that it was meant for the Selkie's Lament Tavern, which belongs to the family of your Halfling Companion. Harbormaster Daffyd also tells me that the Selkie's Lament has been serving Luskan Stout for the past several days when previously it had not been." Intoned Lord Cadfael.

I said nothing, keeping my face impassive. Grimnir likewise was stonefaced, so as not to give anything away. However, from the look on Janessa's face, I knew that she had just given the game away about our culpability in that particular crime. It looked like we would have to do some fast-talking to get out of paying the penalty.

"Stealing from the consignment warehouse of the duly appointed Harbormaster of Caer Jannath is a criminal offense. it is akin to stealing from House Cadfael itself and is punishable by both a fine of no more than one-third again the value of the stolen goods along with a term of no more than five years' imprisonment. Have you anything to say in your defense?" Questioned Lord Cadfael. Time to turn on the charm.

"My Lord, it is true, we did take the Luskan Stout, but only due to the fact that it had already been paid for. Janessa's family was out of pocket for Nine-Hundred-Ninety-Two Amnian Danter which had already been paid to acquire the barrel. Surely the Harbormaster did not realize this at the time, however, it does take food from the mouths of a family with Children. Further, the reasoning given for such a confiscation, that of refusal to pay harbor dues whilst docked, seems to be a lesser crime unbefitting of such an expensive punishment. Surely the harbor dues owed were not worth Nine-hundred-ninety-two Danter?" I began by laying out the facts in a reasonable manner and trying to sow doubt.

"Harbor fees are one thing, we only charge twenty gold pieces for trade ships from the wealthier cities like Luskan, Waterdeep, Baldur's Gate, and Neverwinter. This is about punishment, My Lord. Punitive fees must be levied to prevent further such attempts." Interjected Harbormaster Daffyd.

"Punitive fees have their place, My Lord, but to charge near fifty times the amount of the initial, non-punitive, fee as a punitive charge? If My Lord be a just and fair man, as I have no doubt he is, then surely he can see that the punishment for such a thing does not fit the crime, and indeed was paid not by those who committed it, but by the family of one of we accused?" I tried next, spicing my argument with flattery and sowing further doubt.

"Indeed. Spoken fairly and true. I am not a Tyrant Daffyd, and it seems that in your zealousness to dispense justice, you have lost sight of that. However, some punishment must still be levied." Pointed out Lord Cadfael, as he rebuked his Harbormaster's greed.

"If I might, My Lord?" Queried Isolde.

"Indeed, what counsel have you, Isolde?" Asked Lord Cadfael.

"Perhaps we might charge these adventurers a small fee, to remind them that none may escape justice? I understand they recently came into a substantial amount of coin. Perhaps we might take a fifth of their recent windfall and avoid the prison sentence? By my accounting, that should be one-thousand-two-hundred-fifty Danter from each of them. True it is more than the Barrel they stole was worth, but theft of goods from a lawfully bonded consignment warehouse is a much more serious crime than non-payment of Harbor Fees, after all." Offered Isolde.

"That seems reasonable, My Lord." Added Rhys Mostyn from nearby.

"Indeed, father. Their hearts were in the right place, and Harbormaster Daffyd did grossly overreach himself. That should be enough reason to avoid the dungeon, should it not?" Concurred Lady Morwen.

"So be it. A fine of no less and no more than one-thousand-two-hundred-fifty Amnian Danter shall be levied on each of you." Pronounced Lord Cadfael.

I bowed and Janessa and Grimnir did likewise. Immediately, we were taken into an antechamber where three of Rhys Mostyn's Guards immediately confiscated the agreed-on fine from each of us. As soon as we were relieved of the Danter, we were ushered back into the Throne Room, our fines having been paid.

"Now, that the unpleasant business of punishment is done with, I am told you found more than just Bullywugs down in the sewers? The Chief Harborwarden sent someone down there a few days ago to ensure the Bullywugs were all dead and that any stragglers had not returned. He found a human corpse down there as well." Prompted Lord Cadfael.

"That is correct. We also fought a Sorcerer who was aligned with the Bitch Queen. He almost slew us but for the Skald's last-second play." Confirmed Grimnir.

"Second Circle Spells, My Lord. Nothing large, but still more than we were capable of at the time." Admitted Janessa.

"Indeed, My Lord. In truth, he claimed to be part of a larger group. One that slew Brother Argyle of the Temple of Valkur along with a Harper." I informed.

"High Captain, how formidable was this Brother Argyle?" Questioned Lord Cadfael.

"Brother Argyle was a Boatswain, one of three we had at the Temple, and the one in charge of ensuring that no beasts of the Dark Depths made their way up into the Town via the Sewers. He was a formidable warrior and Valkur had blessed him with a Holy Sling and Magical Buckler. Of his Harper Ally, I knew little, save that he was a Bard of Some Description and not as high up in his organization as Brother Argyle was in ours. I still do not believe the Bullywugs and a Sorcerer Capable of only second circle spells could have slain them both alone." Answered High Captain Ottarsson.

"My Lord, this tracks with what my own Master has sent me here to warn you of. The Skaug Corsairs are operating a Four Ship Flotilla in the Area. They already hit Toaridge and raided the Cimarine Isles before coming here. Several ships going from Jannathstaad to Sunderstaad to trade alcohol, wool, and food for metals were attacked, relieved of their cargo, and had what remained of their crews set adrift." Informed the Blonde Northlander in the Fur-Trimmed Hide Armor.

"Aye, we've had our own problems. Shipping the Tobacco we've grown to Baldur's Gate has become impossible. The last few ships we sent were likewise attacked. If you haven't been having issues yet, you will soon." Chimed in the Leather-clad Halfling.

"You grow tobacco on your Island? I was given to understand that was a Maztican Crop?" I queried.

"It's a crop like any other. So long as you can get the seeds, you can grow it if you have the right kind of soil. We acquired some seeds about five years ago, back when the Amnian Colonies there were still new and their monopoly on the stuff hadn't been made law yet." Shrugged the Halfling.

"I can see why you'd want to stamp out this flotilla, then." Nodded Janessa.

"What of Jannathstaad, can you not protect your own ships?" Asked Grimnir.

"If you wish to question the prowess of our Warriors, you may challenge me to Holmgang at any time. I assure you, you will find a thorough education then." Bit out the Blonde Northlander.

"He does make a compelling point, however. Jannathstaad has always boasted that its forces are stronger than those of Caer Jannath, regardless of the size of our respective populations. Was that boasting all a bluff perchance?" Demanded Rhys Mostyn.

"It is no bluff. If we fought, you would lose." Scowled the Blonde Northlander.

"Then what happened?" Questioned Lady Morwen.

"I am curious as well now." Piped Up Isolde.

"As am I. Please, if you have information on a common foe, let us know." Insisted Lord Cadfael.

"These Pirates have the blessing of the Wavemother. My Master has attempted to win her favor back, but it is not proving easy. They can enhance the waves to a level that makes sailing difficult." Admitted the Blonde Northlander.

"Umberlee is a fickle goddess at the best of times. Perhaps the Jarl might be better served to return to the worship of Valkur?" Tried High Captain Ottarsson.

"Nice try, Priest. It will not be so easy to find converts among the populace of Tearheim these days. Perhaps in the fishing villages, you might get a handful, but not in Jannathstaad. Not among those who have the Jarl's Ear." Refuted the Blonde Northlander.

"A Pity." Sighed High Captain Ottarsson.

"Master Silvertongue, Master Wavearrow, you may return to Jannathstaad and Heartharbor and tell Jarl Finehair and Chief Islandwarden that I will bring my forces to bear on these Corsairs in a unified front." Informed Lord Cadfael.

"My Master will be pleased to hear it. I must make ready, however, to catch the evening tide." Nodded the Blonde Northlander, Silvertongue.

"I should return to my ship as well. If we want to slip past any pirates, best to leave with the evening tide, as Master Silvetongue said." Agreed the Leather-Clad Halfling, Wavearrow.

The pair bowed before leaving and Lord Cadfael let out a sigh and said, "These are dark times. Harbourmaster Daffyd, Chief Harborwarden Rognvaldsson, I want a list of any of your men who have experience fighting aboard ships by tomorrow afternoon. I have a feeling we will need a dedicated Marine Force by the time this is all over and a sneaking suspicion that your Harborwardens may be better suited to that task than Captain Mostyn's Guards."

"As you command, My Lord." Saluted Arnulth.

"Indeed, we shall make haste back to the Docks to begin compiling the list in question." Concurred Harbormaster Daffyd.

They bowed and immediately headed out as well. That left just Lord Cadfael, Lady Morwen, Isolde, Captain Mostyn, and High Captain Ottarsson remaining in the Great Hall. Lord Cadfael turned back to us and spoke once more.

"I am told that you are a Bard yourself. Perhaps you might favor us with a song to lift our spirits in these trying times?" Requested Lord Cadfael.

"I might have one or two, My Lord. Shall I play one for you now?" I queried.

"By all means." Affirmed Lord Cadfael.

With that, I unslung my Fochlucan Bandore and began to play. The chords came easily enough, E minor, B minor, D, E minor, G, and over again, translated by my Performance Abilities from Guitar to Bandore as I began to sing out.

"Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme. Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine. Come lift up your voices all grief to refrain. For we may or might never all meet here again.

Here's a health to the company and one to my lass. Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass.
Let us drink and be merry all grief to refrain. For we may or might never all meet here again." I sang out, before continuing to go through the whole of Health to the Company afterward, all three verses and choruses of it.

I wasn't the best, mind you, my Bardic Performance was good, but not that good. It was enough, though, and as I played, I infused my song with the bardic magic of Inspire Courage, helping to bolster flagging spirits after the declaration that Pirates would soon be on their way to attack. I could almost visibly see the worry lines in Lord Cadfael's face smooth out as I played. By the time I finished the song, it seemed almost like the man had gained back a few years of his life. Looks could be deceiving though, this wouldn't last forever, unfortunately.

"Well done. You have my thanks, truly. Will you and your companions be joining us in battle?" Asked Lord Cadfael.

I looked over to Janessa and Grimnir. Grimnir had a wolfish grin on his face and nodded, while Janessa rolled her eyes at how eager Grimnir was to fight, but nodded as well. I turned back to Lord Cadfael and said, "I believe that's a yes, My Lord."

"Excellent. I am hoping that by the end of the week, we may have an expeditionary force ready to go. Be ready by that time." Commanded Lord Cadfael.

"As you say, My Lord." I agreed.

Our audience didn't last much longer beyond that. We were ushered out of the Castle and back into town soon afterward, ostensibly to make our own preparations. Fortunately, all three of us were already prepared to fight. Neither Grimnir nor I had anyone we might need to inform and Janessa had her parents, both of whom were supportive of her desire to further her magical powers by adventuring already. About the only thing we could do to prepare more would be for Janessa to spend the rest of the day making healing potions. She did so, brewing up a trio of Potions of Cure Light Wounds in the time before taking over for her Brother behind the Bar at the Siren's Lament.

Our preparations were finished for the day. Honestly, we'd thought Lord Cadfael's goal of being ready by the end of the week was too fast for something like this, where he had to put together a conventional military force not made up of adventurers. As it would turn out, those preparations weren't fast enough. In the wee hours of the morning, just before the next dawn, Caer Jannath would find itself under attack by the Skaug Corsairs.

Lord Cadfael had not been fast enough on the draw, and the Town would pay for it. . .

XXXX

AN: All right, here we have chapter two. This one's more of a diplomacy and setup type chapter. We get to see a bit of what the laws of Cadfael Island are like, along with a bit more info on the other two Islands of Jannath's Tears and who they'll be fighting alongside against the Pirates.

Unfortunately, Caer Jannath wasn't quick enough to prepare for battle and now the battle is upon them while they haven't stood up a force to a war footing yet. The Skaug Corsairs are no joke either, while much of their crews might be the typical Pirate Thugs you can toss around if you're good enough, most of their officers and especially their captains are a lot more powerful.

You'll see what I mean next chapter, as the attack on Caer Jannath commences.

Stay tuned. . .