“Out, Out, NOW”
Dagda's head shook violently as the Matre D screeched at them, rapidly seeing them out all the way onto the street before angrily slamming the door behind them. Dagda had a sideways glance at Tadhg similarly hurriedly dressed “Any ideas?”
“None,” he replied.
“Hmmm, well judging by her one of us did it. Still though, good night all in alI.”
“Ah yeah”.
Quickly putting on the rest of their clothes Dagda found himself a boot shy.
“Looking for this?" staring up he saw Sorcha holding what appeared to be his missing footwear in her right hand.
“You’d forgot it and I’d hate for you to catch a cold because of little ol me.”
She smiled both cute and seductive in equal measures as she tossed the boot into his grateful arms, bowing low he looked back to Sorcha,
“Thank you M’lady, until we meet again my beautiful princess.”
Dagda blew her a kiss ignoring Tadhg's disgusted expression, which she duly responded to.
“Lovely girl Sorcha, I really do like her.”
“Yeah, yeah her and all the others, now c’mon let's move. It would appear we’ve slept in, but we should still make it to the hill in time knowing how the Men are.”
“Lead on Big man.”
As they approached the City's inner keep, home of the King it was clear that something significant was happening inside its walls, the place was abuzz with noise and servants and soldiers alike scurried about each busy to their own tasks. At the entrance to the citadel Dagda and Tadhg found their path blocked by the sharp spear points of two burly, sour looking guards, each covered by a crossbow watcher upon the walls. The smaller, uglier of the two spoke first .
“Your late Druaidíi,” he spat out angrily, making little effort to disguise his disdain.
Dagda looked at him unblinking and amused, long since familiar with such hostility.
He leaned forward straightening the soldiers jerkin, “Best let us through quickly then eh.” They seemed ready to argue but the barking order from an overlooking captain above quickly ceded them to what was no doubt their orders. Dagda knew that Ardgal had requested their presence for the meeting, and late or not his requests would be granted. Even here his words carried some weight.
Dagda smiled sweetly at the guard as he was ushered through and puffed up his chest saluting the soldier as he did so, “Stay ready man, you are the true defenders of the King and Realm.”
The guard didn’t respond but spat in their general direction, a token of his esteem for his allies. Dagda grabbed Tadhg before he could snap the man's neck and pushed him on in front. Now was not the time to go too overboard.
Inside the keep it was just as busy as outside with guards everywhere guiding those unfamiliar to its passages to where they needed to be. Dagda and Tadhg were taken straight to the throne room, a huge cavernous room and allegedly the very first building remade by the first Men. For once it seemed almost small such was the volume of people packed inside its walls. To the right of the throne stood Ardgal stoic and proper as always he was busy scanning the room and quickly noticed their arrival. As his angry stare followed them they made their way to where Cormac and Michaél stood down below the throne. Acknowledging them without a word they seemed unsurprised by the late arrival. Taking the example set by Ardgal Dagda began surveying the room and its inhabitants.
To the left of the throne stood Brandubh, Chief Advisor to the King, his eyes darted this way and that, never settling and eagerly looking about him as if with a glance he could see the will and motives of all he happened upon. His influence within the Royal Circle was said to be extensive and the King reportedly consulted him in all matters both great and small. Indeed such was his power that some claimed it was he who truly ruled in all but name, the king more than content to let him deal with the running of the land so long as he was free to focus on what he deemed the bigger issues.
The loud, distinct voice of the courtier shook Dagda from his thoughts as the Royal horn blared heralding the arrival of the King himself.
Marching militarily like, King Breogan quickly silenced the herald and dismissed his Royal guard. After a hasty acknowledgement to all present he took his seat on the throne and waved Brandubh forward to address the crowd.
“Friends, allies, Earls, King Breogan has invited and assembled you all here today and for no minor cause. As all of you are no doubt now aware, not five nights past our allies, and good friends, Na Druaidíi were attacked whilst on religious duty by a squadron of covert Milesian soldiers operating in our land. To have suffered such an attack while on religious duty is cause enough for reprisal, yet that it took place within our border in the village of Dúnrath is further insult to injury knowing as they should that there of all places the peace must be maintained. Either the Milesians have forgotten or now believe themselves to be above the terms agreed by all sides in the Treaty of 206. A course of action must be decided upon and a strong message, militarily or otherwise must be sent to the Milesians.”
After Brandubh's speech bouts of animated murmurs and discussion were heard throughout the hall, all of which were interrupted by the booming voice of Earl Harfrigh, “If what I have heard is correct then is it not true that a message has already been sent. Was it not twenty five Milesians that met their death at the hands of our illustrious allies, all whilst suffering no losses of their own? It would seem to me a rather robust message.”
At his words Dagda saw Ardgal bristle and he stepped forward, “A response enacted in self defense than in aggression and only given due to our wariness and caution Earl Harfrigh. Had we not uncovered the Milesian plot in time then your illustrious allies may have been the ones slain, not the twenty five Milesians”.
As the two glared at each other from the crowd another voice spoke out, that of Earl NíConnaill, and she aimed her question directly to Breogan himself, “Have the Milesians proposed their order of events, what word is there from Carthaga?”
Dagda found his eyes fixating on her as she spoke, she was a truly fascinating individual and not only because of her beauty, though that was indeed a substantial element. Tadhg had once joked that her family must have had Druaidíi blood such was her beauty. She was no Druaida but she was bewitching, that no one could deny.
She had emerged triumphant in a bloody family dispute after the death of her father, Earl Oisín O Connaill, though she was only a woman of eighteen at the time she had led her supporters in battle against her own uncles who denied her right to rule. A beauty and a warrior, such a woman is as rare as they are alluring. Her long black hair lay untied trailing down to her shapely waist, just above her elegant legs. Though dressed as if for battle she was more radiant than any of the ladies dressed in their finery present.
King Breogan's voice brought Dagda back to the throne, albeit reluctantly,
“As it happens, the Milesians have been in contact. Last night not long after supper we were interrupted here by one of their many emissaries. They did not deny the irrefutable evidence that these were Milesian men but instead put forward that this squadron was a rogue unit unsanctioned and acting outside of their commanding officers. In fact they offered their thanks to Na Druaidíi for ensuring that none survived as if they had they would have been duly executed as would befit any insubordinate behaviour of this extremity. They have proposed a meeting to discuss the matter and formally offer their thanks and explanation.”
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Earl Harfrigh grunted as the King finished “Hmmph a likely story and yet…..” He paused and turned to those gathered around him, “Are we really so bad off? The Milesians have seen what will happen to any probes into our lands, and as of now trade is booming, our economy grows stronger than ever and our goods seen all over the Empire. The gold flows freely does it not? What need have we to risk the balance now by sending a pointless, petty message of aggression. The Milesians have learned their lesson, I say we request a suitable compensation and let it rest.”
Earl Harfrigh's position came as no surprise to any gathered, the most prosperous of the Earls he had established a healthy trading relationship with the Milesians with the animals and produce of his lands foremost of Aileann's exports to the continent. His wealth and influence did mean however that he enjoyed considerable sway within Aileann and even in the court of the King, all of which was rather problematic, he nor his family had ever been friends of Na Druaidíi and their alliance was more bitter than most. Ardgal studied Harfigh as he spoke, Dagda saw the troubled look on his face but decided it was time enough for him to speak.
“Do you mean to say Earl Harfrigh that so long as the gold flows it matters not how the Milesians behave, even if that behaviour includes clear and aggressive breaches of the Treaty. That we should cede our dignity and self-respect for a few coins, most of which would no doubt end up in your coffers in any case.”
Ardgal looked as if to silence him but Dagda was tired of listening to men such as Harfigh speak down on them.
“It was after all just an attack on Druaidíi, no man of Aileann was involved….nor near at hand as it goes. Quite unusual that is it not? Dúnrath lies in your land Earl yet it was left entirely unguarded with not a single man of yours in sight, is your land so peaceful, is it unique to all others? I am sure the Milesians were very pleased to find such an opportunity present itself.”
Harfrigh glared furiously, his eyes ablaze with anger, “Listen here boy, Dúnrath was unguarded precisely because of you and your kind, we were keeping ourselves away from you, don’t you dare place any trouble you caused at my doorstep.”
As he spoke his men gathered closer to his side.
“Enough.”
Ardgal's voice cut through the room. “Lay your tongues at rest, are we such children as to squabble and bicker amongst ourselves. We have come here to discuss the issue at hand, not to score petty points over some long forgotten rivalries.”
He looked at the Earl's men with a look of annoyance, “And Harfrigh, tell your men that if they continue to paw at their swords like some striplings at their first dance then I will be forced to take their heads off and send them back to their wives still in their helmet. No weapon may be drawn in the King's court or does the law of Aileann not apply to you and your men anymore?”
Earl Harfrigh glowered at Ardgal. For a moment it seemed his anger might have rushed him into an unwise move, however one look to the King convinced him otherwise and he relented, reluctantly signalling to his men to relax their stance. The King cleared his throat and began again,
“Ardgal is right, though it is true that many of our lands have thrived with the trade on the continent it has not come without a price, not a day goes by that the Milesians do not buy or make a new trader from within our people, in turn assuring themselves a new associate, a new friend and perhaps even a new ally for them to use against us.”
“It would seem there are advantages and disadvantages both when it comes to the Milesians,” Earl NíConnaill addressed the king once more, “and I see the sense in both sides yet words are easy, how we move forward from today is not. The Milesians already boast a considerable strength on our land, a strength our combined forces could no doubt vanquish if need be, as we have done before. Yet from what is being reported from the continent is that the Milesians have soldiers primed and ready. For what I cannot say, a suspected plot from some ambitious senator, a repellent from an outside attack or maybe even an invasionary force. Whatever the case may be any move we make must be well-thought, precise and done with an iron will and strength”.
She speaks with grace and wisdom, a compelling combination.
She stood surrounded by her armed Guard, her's alone stood composed of men but also women, all noted warriors. Like Druaidíi, in Árann both the males and females fought side by side.
It was at this point that Breogan decided to rouse himself from his throne, though all present could rightfully claim themselves as having influence, the King's word would like as not determine the next step. Even without a calling of the Earls he commanded the Royal army of ten thousand men, which as the situation demanded, could be supplemented by many thousand more if the need arose. He stood slightly wearily but ever composed. He was a young man no more and though rumours of Brandubh's influence were widespread it was under Breogan's rule that Aileann had prospered and known a time of relative peace. He had earned the respect and loyalty of his subjects and had also overseen a term of significant development and unification within his realm. Above all that however was that he was a good man and one that could be trusted to keep to his word, whatever the circumstance.
“Though we have in no small ways benefited from our relationship with the Milesians thus far...” the King paused for a moment as if lost in thought,
“we cannot blind ourselves to that which is happening and has been happening for quite some time now. After the first Empire War the Milesians here in Aileann pushed for peace and we agreed to it, and so it has been now for nigh on twenty years. Yet whilst we have grown financially we have also been careless. That is something which I must hold myself accountable for as your King. For while preaching peace and prosperity for all, of late it seems they are strangling us from within, they are pushing us into their image and desires and we are allowing it to happen. They have been patiently watching and waiting and carefully probing as to our strengths and weaknesses. Though the boldest of their probes, the attack on Ardgal and his Druaidíi is not the first. In the past twelve months alone two score of suspected Milesianspies have been detained and through some difficulty and much labour an underlying theme has emerged. That is that the Milesians feel themselves in a position to push their influence and growing popularity amongst us to splinter and divide us, allowing them to take advantage of our perceived slumber.”
“Two score spies you say? A perceived plot? Was it not felt appropriate to have us informed of this treachery?” enquired another of the Earls, Diarmuid O’ Meagher, a man with little land but great ambitions, he was oft a vocal member of the court.
The king's features frowned in reflection. “Alas I regret to say I had hoped it was more intimidation tactics designed to repel any ideas we harbored of driving them out than any ambitions of their own, but this attack has confirmed my fears. Had the Milesians succeeded they would have denied Na Druaidíi of their leader and their figurehead. A heavy blow. In Carthaga they remember still the toll Na Druaidíi imposed on their forces and no doubt sought to weaken our most prominent ally under the guise of maverick commanders. That they failed is our blessing and provides us with a chance to retaliate before they are fully suspect and wise to our intentions.”
Dagda couldn’t help notice the knowing smile upon Brandubh's face at the King's words. No doubt he was well aware of what the king had intended prior to the meeting. At a nod from the King he stepped out once more to address those gathered,
“It is therefore our belief that the Milesians must pay for their scheming and arrogance. Four days hence the Milesians have requested an audience and we have agreed to so as to delay any suspicions. We will meet them at Teorainn to discuss the matter at hand and come to a peaceful arrangement. Or so they will believe.”
Brandubh paused to look about the room, ensuring his words were heard by one and all.
“With this we buy ourselves time. All banners are to be called and each levy raised. When we strike, we shall strike hard. Make haste now to your seats and rally what you can, the carefully coded instructions will be delivered directly to each Earl once everything is in place and our plan of action revealed. Until such time be cautious in your preparations and secretive in your actions, no Milesian should be made aware of our plans.”
Murmurs of agreement mixed with those of discontent went up around the great hall. Seeing the reaction and deeming it unsatisfactory the King rose once more. “We shocked the Milesians once before when they first arrived on our shores, we stood tall to the Empire and defied all those who doubted and belittled us, the mightiest Empire man has ever seen were left content and relieved to be confined to a single piece of our great land. Yet it seems even that was too much. Now it is time to finish what we once started, to rid Aileann of the Milesian scourge once and for alI. Our Land, Our People, Our Victory.”
At his rousing words roars of approval erupted around the court and cries of support and love for the King rang out around its cavernous walls. Whatever one might say of the men, none could deny that they held a particular pride for the land.
Throughout it all Ardgal had remained sombre but now strode towards him, a stern unflinching expression upon his face.
“Meet me after your training, we have much to discuss.”
“Yes Rí, I look forward to it”, though by we Dagda knew he truly meant that he had much to discuss and Dagda was needed to listen. Ardgal nodded and made his way over to Brandubh and the King, both locked in deep discussion.
It was with a certain degree of relief then that Dagda left the throne room alongside Michaél, Tadhg and Cormac to train. He gave one last spread of the room but she had already departed it seemed. He followed the others with Michaél leading the way striding purposefully ahead.
“Today we spar, if there is to be a war then ye best be ready, I’m not so young as I was and I have no intention of chasing all over the battlefield making sure you don’t fuck up. So get focused, get ready and let's see if I can’t teach ye pups some new tricks.”
Dagda smiled, the political talk could wait, for now at least he could empty his mind of such thoughts and focus on the matter at hand, for now that was all that mattered.