The Black Knight Returns

Thursday 23rd December 356 AC

As my body slept on a flea filled cot in one of Slupsk's abandoned buildings, my mind was taken elsewhere.

I found myself standing upon a field of battle, my sword encrusted with blood and my enemies dead about my feet. Hearing a scream, I turned to find Sir Dominic receiving heavy blows from a huge knight in blackened armour and full helm.
As the Black Knight raised his sword for the killing blow I charged in between them and brought up my gauntlet in defense of us both. Suddenly, and in the way that can only happen in dreams, a large shield appeared on my arm that had been there all along. As Sir Dominic gathered himself behind me, unarmed, the Black Knight rained down blows like the Gods' thunder upon my shield.

With that I awoke.
The dream itself, though somewhat distressing, was not so unusual for a warrior and I would have thought nothing of it had Sir Dominic not mentioned his own dream as we broke our fast. It seems that he experienced the same event as I during his slumber. Not only that but he has encountered this Black Knight before- in both a dream and armed combat.
Given the serious and unnatural character of our shared nightmare Sir Dominic suggested we consult with Brother Ithariel. On hearing our account of the experience he shared our disquiet and advised us that magic could be at play. The Brother decided to cast a spell that would reveal any magical residue left upon us, after which he pronounced me clean of magical corruption. Sir Dominic on the other hand was not so fortunate. To everyone's amusement, some unexpected element of the spell resulted in my brother at arms turning into a large, pink ball of fluff.

Entertaining as Sir Dominic's condition was, more important matters had to be attended to. It was decided that I would lead our small party, along with a squad of Knights and some pikemen ahead of the main group in the hope that we should catch our enemies unprepared. The main force would follow behind as swiftly as possible to aid us, should we encounter strong resistance. I made certain to inform Sir Hassan of the 'geas' placed upon all of the prisoners and helped him realise that, like the fires, they were simply a delaying action.
Before I led the advance group out I ensured that summary executions had been carried out and appropriate prayers made.

Magical transportation to far off lands

Wednesday 22nd December 356 AC

On rising this morning we each found another present under our pillows, placed with professional stealth during the night. I found a scroll written in unfamiliar script under my own and while I investigated it an explosion was heard from Sir Dominic's room, along with some words I didn't think he knew.
After breakfast had been cleared two Officers of the Watch, Rutledge and Massey, joined us to inform us that John and Mary Keenan were dead.
Saddened as we were by the news, we had a more important job to do so we made our way to the Mage Shop. After allowing a little time for the wizard of the party to stock up on supplies we braced ourselves for transportation by magical means...

...when next we opened our eyes we found ourselves in a new location entirely. The rain was the first change anyone noticed, the cold soon bit and we were slowly aware that we stood outside the tall wooden palisade wall of the small town of Slupsk.
Sir Dominic provided Holy Light that we might find the gate and I proceeded to make our presence known. There followed a brief, tense discourse with the guards before a fleeting glance at the crest on my shield gained our entry.
On passing through the gate our eyes were greeted with the sight of a broken town. Buildings were in disrepair, many appeared uninhabited while others were frankly uninhabitable. Almost all the individuals we saw were knights but what civilians there were subdued and demoralised. The guard eventually guided us to what had been the town hall, now headquarters for the local operation, for conference with with Sir Hassan. Fierce shouting could be heard as our guide knocked and entered the main chamber. Within were Sir Hassan and a furious young man dressed entirely in black, who stormed from the room upon our arrival.
I handed Sir Hassan our orders which caused him to ask the simple question "Where are the rest of you?". Evidently the situation here had become far more serious than the Knight's Council, I explained to my honoured colleague that sadly our group comprised the entirety of the reinforcements.

With a sigh, Sir Hassan brought us to the map room for briefing. We were informed that while the main body of the Knights' army assaulted a stronghold to the north a small number of enemy combatants had broken free and fled in this direction. Sir Hassan had been dispatched with a small force due to the belief that the escaping party included some war criminals (potentially Roark) and other persons of interest. Capture of these individuals was the highest priority. The only pass through the mountains to the south is Rybnik Pass, and this is believed to be their immediate destination. Thus far the pursuit has been hampered by the firing of every town the enemy passed through, forcing the Knights to stop and aid the local population. Some prisoners have been captured, human and goblinoid in nature, but as yet they have not given up any useful intelligence (indeed they have been more of a hindrance up to this point).

The first order of business is to interrogate the prisoners ourselves. The Knights here have neither mage nor cleric so there may be things we can discover that they could not. I first ensured Sir Dominic was made busy aiding the Knights before inviting Brother Ithariel, Lady Azshauna and Starsong to join me for the interrogation. It should be noted that long experience has shown, interrogations go much more smoothly if paladins are kept away. Lady Azshauna was able to detect some kind of magic on the prisoners and Brother Ithariel dispelled it from one human. The prisoner, now able to talk, was eager to enlighten us on any subject. It seems he had been in Torun, where he became injured and was left behind to die. The Knights have been trailing him along for the past week. The band he was part of is known as the Hellwagon Train, comprising of forty or so soldiers. He was able to confirm Rybnik Pass as their destination and, as was our belief, certain important persons were travelling with the group. We now know the names of our quarry; Olmos, the group's draconian leader (wanted for war crimes); Penikett, a cleric of Chemosh; Rekha, a cleric of Morgion; Trucco, another cleric of Chemosh; and Scranti, a Mage of the Black Robes wanted by the Tower of High Sorcery.

With some positive intelligence to follow we left the prisoners and found rooms for the night, each taking a turn on watch to give the beleaguered guards some reprieve.

Duty calls

Monday 20th December 356 AC

At Third Watch Sir Dominic joined me in visiting Sir Gregory. Formalities were swiftly dispensed as we were informed that as soon as our party could be assembled we would be sent to a small town south of Sanction by the dismal name of Slupsk. Since the end of the last war efforts have been made to cleanse the area of 'unsociable elements'. For the most part this has been successful- the dragon armies are in disarray, the ogre and goblinoid populations are under control and the entire region of Neraka is restricted by major trade embargoes. As is inevitable, however, some more extreme elements are intent on the continuation of hostilities. It is these elements the we will be sent to bring under control.
As soon as we can ready ourselves we are to return to Palanthas where we may present a document of travel to the proprietor of the Mage supply shop. She will transport us by magical means to the area in which Slupsk resides.

Our somewhat unorthodox group was we under way by Fifth Watch and we made camp along the road after a day's good travel.


Tuesday 21st December 356 AC

Given our progress the previous day I decided the party (and the horses) had earned a relaxed start to the day. We stowed our trail rations and allowed Brother Ithariel to prepare one of his, now famous, breakfasts, while Starsong and Sir Dominic engaged in a little weapons training. Nedlog eventually ended the sparring by unleashing a furious torrent of abuse of them both - I shall only record that I was glad to have a priest with us, for Sir Dominic's sake.
After the incident with a bored kender we broke camp and completed out journey, arriving at Palanthas halfway through Evening Watch, and arranged to spend the night in the barracks.

Sir Dominic and Starsong proceeded immediately to the home of Julie's aunt and uncle, John and Mary Keenen (the only known relatives of the young girl we rescued along the road). The first sign of any disturbance was a conspicuous lack of activity within the house and grounds- remember that the gentleman and lady of the house were quite wealthy, there should have been people coming and going at all times of the day. Sir Dominic took it upon himself to gain entry to the main house via the kitchen and found the cook within, strangled dead.
A cursory investigation of the ground floor revealed two more victims and they swiftly decided the best course of action would be to contact the City Watch. Though we all felt concern for the little orphan on hearing the news, we were content to leave the matter in the hands of those who could focus more on the task.

On a lighter note, Brother Ithariel lightened the mood by presenting us all with early Yuletide gifts.

Addendum

Sunday 19th December 356 AC - addendum

As the ceremony came to a close we retired to prepare for the evening's celebratory banquet. I honestly believe that the Knights could rule all of Ansalon if we spent as much time on campaign as we did at banquets and dances, though speaking such aloud could cost me my position.
On entering our chambers, Sir Dominic and I both discovered missives insisting we visit with Sir Gregory first thing in the morning. We resigned ourselves to avoiding the most enthusiastic of the revelry and made our way to the main hall.
The banquet itself was mostly tasteful, somewhat enjoyable and exactly like the hundreds I have attended before but Sir Dominic was afforded the appropriate deference and our party seemed to enjoy the affair. The only item of note was the impromptu fortune telling stall of Nedlog Rednow; Psychic, Palm Reader and Magician Extrordinaire. The stall proved worryingly profitable, I must remember to have words with my young kender friend on the subject of exploiting the gullible, though Knights of Solamnia and their companions should have known better if I am to be honest.

The Knighting of Sir Dominic

Though the following words are not my own, I feel it is important that this day be recorded here.

Sunday 19th December 356 AC

Dawn breaks around 8.30. It is a cold, but still, without a cloud in the
sky.
The tower is a hive of activity with knights moving purposefully ensuring
all preparations are in place and making last minute adjustments and polish
to armour and swords. Breakfast is a sparse affair, the kitchens busy
preparing the banquet of that evening and the mess hall empties as quickly
as it fills. The party eats quietly without Dominic and Sir Thomas before
heading off to prepare themselves.
As noon approaches the activity reaches a fervour across the 4 courtyards,
before a sudden silence descends. It is then, in each of the courtyards,
two thousand knights stand to attention, to witness one of their own
receive the promotion he deserves. Marching as a single unit, each
courtyard empties in turn filing into the centre plaza of the fortress,
first the Order of the Crown, secondly the Order of the Sword, with the
knights of the Order of the Rose flanking them all on the right facing the
main tower. From the 4th courtyard the invited guests - friends, family and
noblemen file in to take their places in the rows of seats in front of the
knights. With all orders in place, three elder knights and their wives move
to the platform, each the highest ranking knight within their order and
dressed in ancient, gold trimmed armour. Finally, the party are led in to
join the ceremonial party on the platform - Starsong dressed in a
traditional formal dress, Nedlog in a modern design in all of the colours,
with Brother Ithariel following in ceremonial red armour. A moment later
the are joined by Lady Azshauna dressed resplendent in white. Standing
silently, the only noise is the flicker of the flags blowing in the wind.
As the tower bell strikes 12, a trumpet fanfare is blown and all rise. To
the left a set of double doors are flung open to reveal Dominic, with Sir
Thomas at this side. They walk out into the sunlight, Dominic, unarmed and
dressed in simple armour, stepping up the steps to face his superiors and
his party. A herald moves from the side and proclaims
"Grant we pray, Paladine, our prayers, and see fit to bless with the hand
of your majesty this sword with which your servant desires to be girt, to
the end that he may be a defender of the Church, of widows, of orphans, and
of all the servants of good, against the cruelty of evil, and that he may
be the terror and dread of his enemies, ensuring for him the performance of
equitable prosecution and just defense. Amen."
"Paladine, who establishes and lawfully rules the order of all things: who
to put down the malice of reprobates and to defend justice have, by your
beneficent disposition, permitted men on Krynn the use of the sword, and
have willed to institute Chivalric Orders for the protection of the people:
and who said by way of the blessed Huma to the soldiers who came to him
that they should do violence to no man, but be content with their pay: we
humbly pray grant, through your heavenly bounty, to this your servant, who
comes a new recruit to put his neck under the chivalric yoke, the power and
valor to defend the faith and justice, increase him in faith, hope,
charity, the fear as well as the love of good, humility, perseverance,
obedience and patience, and direct him lawfully in all things, so that he
will never injure anyone unjustly with this or any other sword, and so
that, just as he is raised from an inferior station to the new honor of
knighthood, so, putting off the old man with his deeds, he will put on the
new man, to fear you and render You just worship, to avoid the society of
the wicked, to pour out his charity upon his neighbor, to obey the articles
of his faith lawfully in all things, and to fulfill his office justly at
all times. Amen."
The eldest of the Knights stands. With the symbols of the Order of the
Rose, Lord Godfrey Schonfield speaks
"Lord Greenway, is the candidate free to take the oath and accept
responsibilities of Knighthood?"
Lord Geoffrey Greenway, the head of the Order of the Sword stands.
"No my lord, he is sworn in fealty to my Lord Hugh Bonneville."
Lord Schonfield speaks again
"Herald, summon his grace and his household."
The third knight on the platform rises, along with his wife to stand in
front of Lord Schonfield
"Lord Bonneville, High Warrior of the Knights of Solamnia, do you release
Dominic de Caela from your fealty, that he may serve the High Clerist of
the Knights of Solamnia?"
"I do, my Lord, with honour"
Lord Schonfield turns to Dominic as Lord Bonneville and his wife return to
their positions.
"Right mindful of your prowess on the field, and responsive to the wishes
of your peers, we are minded to make you Knight of the Sword. Know that to
wear the belt and chain of a knight is to hold a sacred trust; that the
obligations of knighthood will demand your efforts every moment of your
life. "
"A knight of Solamnia must be respectful of all religions, never offending
the faith of another. "
"A knight must respect all those who are weak or defenseless, whether
because of age, infirmity, poverty, or vow, and be steadfast in defending
them. "
"A knight must love his God and his province, and fulfill most faithfully
his feudal duties to his Lord and his Order. "
"His word must be dependable beyond doubt or question. He must never flee
from the face of his foes, nor show them his back. He must be generous to
all. "
"And, always and everywhere, he must be the champion of the right and the
good. "
"The Laws of the Order and the customs of the land require that a knight
be prow, as you have demonstrated you are upon the field; that a knight be
courteous, as you have shown yourself to be and as these noble gentleman
attest; and that a knight be loyal to his Oath and the Measure. Do you then
desire to accept the burden of knighthood and swear fealty to the Order of
the Sword?"
After a brief pause, Dominic accepts. Lord Schonfield continues
"Then swear fealty and pay homage to the Order of the Sword of the Knights
of Solamnia."
Sir Dominic says
"I here swear fealty and do homage to the Order of the Sword of the
Knights of Solamnia; to ever be a good knight and true, reverent and
generous, shield of the weak, defender of the faith, obedient to my
liege-lord, foremost in battle, courteous at all times, champion of the
right and the good. Thus swear I, Dominic de Caela."
Lord Greenway and Lord Bonneville rise to either side of Lord Schonefield.
All three say in unison
"To this we hear and shall never forget, nor fail to reward that which is
given in fealty, with love, with service, with honor and oath breading with
vengeance."
Lord Schonfield advances a step
"Is there a sword which you will offer in service to your order and the
Oath and the Measure?"
Dominic replies
"Yes my liege there is, in the safe keeping of your servant Sir Thomas
Hargoth."
Sir Thomas removes the scabbard from his side, kneels and offers the sword
to Lord Schonfield while saying
"One edge to cuts to the truth, one edge to administer Paladine’s justice,
and a scabbard to counsel mercy."
Lord Schonfield continues "Is there a belt?"
Starsong steps forward and places a belt around Dominic. She speaks
initially in her own language, and then in common
"The knights' white belt symbolizes purity, and chastity that a knight
must reign in his body steadfastly, avoiding the scandals of the body:
gluttony, sloth, and lechery. Purity of purpose and a new beginning to
begin again the steps on the Path to Chivalry."
Satisfied, Lord Schonfield says "Are there spurs?". Nedlog steps forwards
with a look of intense concentration on her face. After attaching the spurs
to Dominic’s heels she says, initially in Kenderspeak and then in common
"As a knights spurs goad the warhorse so should they goad the knight to
Valor, Service, Diligence and Swiftness. Let the spurs hasten the knight to
his duty that he might maintain his Order in the high honor that belongs to
it. By placing precious golden spurs near his feat a knight displays
disdain for worldly things. They should be worn with honor and discretion
lest they be hacked from your heals in shame and disgrace."
As the final words are spoken, a look of relief spreads over her face as
she returns to her place. From smiling, Lord Schonfield returns the
expression on his face to seriousness once again. "Is there a Coat of
Arms?"
Clanking in his armour, Brother Ithariel steps forward
"Shame-fastness or Fear of shame. These arms ensure that all might know
this knight from afar, and judge him fair or foul, to ensure obedience to
the order of knighthood. It symbolizes the hardships and travail that a
knight will suffer foremost in battle and always placing his body between
his duty and his foes just as the surcoat receives any blows, rain, or
insult before the armor and body of the knight. May the strength of Kiri
Jolith be upon you".
Ithariel bows and returns to line before bowing his head in prayer. Lord
Schonfield continues
"The candidate has been invested with the trappings of the office to
knighthood. Is there a chain with which to bind him in his oath of fealty."
Stepping gracefully forward, Azshauna places a chain over Dominic’s head,
saying in elvish, then common
"The chain is of platinum, purest of the metals to signify the purity of
the chain of fealty which binds the knight and his sovereigns to one
another. The chain is heavy to symbolize and remind the knight of the heavy
responsibility he bears. The chain is strong and runs round the neck of the
knight signifying obedience to the commands of his faith and the order.
Pray let your behavior and deeds charge this, Paladine’s symbol with as
great a reverence and respect as it deserves."
As she returns to her place Lord Schonfield draws the sword from the
scabbard held by the kneeling Sir Thomas. Striking the right shoulder, then
the left and finally the head, he proclaims
"In remembrance of oaths given and received. In remembrance of your
lineage and obligations. Be thou a good knight. Rise, Sir Dominic."
As Dominic rises a huge cheer rings out amongst the crowd. Behind the
applauding nobles and civilians, a clash of metal is heard as every knight
repeatedly beats his chest with his right metal gauntlet". After a moment,
silence again descends. At this stage Lord Greenway steps forward towards
the newly knighted Sir Dominic.
"We see many Knights of Solamnia gathered before Us, We thank you for
honoring us with your presence, and would honor you by borrowing a custom
of your past. We seem to recall that in these lands we would now charge the
candidate: Know, now that you are made a knight, that you must succor the
defenseless, seek justice for those of every station, and maintain the
honor of Knighthood. Let this blow remind you that Knighthood shall bring
you pain as well as honor."
With that Lord Greenway punches you hard, squarely in the chest. Taking
the blow, Sir Dominic kneels and being invited to stand, shakes the
outstretched hand of Lord Greenway. Each member of the party moves forward
to congratulate Sir Dominic as three cheers ring out from the knights.
Sir Dominic is invited to stand alongside his lord as Lord Schonfield
moves to the front of the stage. Calling all orders to attention, he then
commands them to fall out. In the same way they arrived, each order takes a
sharp about turn, and returns to their courtyard. With all knights now
gone, Lord Schonfield thanks all for attending, inviting them to the
banquet that the Knighting may be celebrated.

The Birth of Kender Civil Rights

Friday 17th December 356 AC

Later that evening we were called to the main banquet hall for an excruciating social affair. I must confess, I joined the Knighthood to escape the endless balls and banquets of my father's court- only to find that they insist on celebrating at each and every opportunity. Sir Dominic and I toured the room, making the appropriate introductions so that he could receive the congratulations he was due. 
At one point in the evening I noticed Starsong seemed unusually distracted. It would seem that Roark, a name well known but rarely spoken in these halls, had somehow been delivering notes into her chambers. The criminal claimed to know something of the fate of her tribe, though given his previous record I would not be shocked if he orchestrated the atrocity. 
I agreed to do my best to appeal to the mages' conclave on her behalf if she would concede to attempt contact with The Betrayer. 

Later still, having retired for the night, I was awoken by a furious, high pitched ranting at my door. Rising to investigate I opened the door to find two Tower guards and my friend Nedlog, who was in a fit of outrage. The young kender was ranting incoherently for the most part but I did manage to glean the terms "Kender Civil Rights", "Violence inherent in the system" and I'm certain I heard "Wait till Fizban hears of this!". Thankfully the guards had more detail and clearer heads to offer. Apparently the 'kender in residence' at the Clerist's Tower had been accused of some crime and placed in the stocks for the night. I know not what the crime was but given the natural tendencies of their race and the fact that Nedlog probably goaded him into it, I suspect the punishment was just. As a precaution (and to ensure the rest of my night remained undisturbed) I recommended the guards place my vocal colleague in stocks as well, and then swiftly retired once again. 


Saturday 18th December 356 AC

At dawn I visited Dominic, my friend and soon to be brother. I answered any questions he had and readied him for his day of meditation. If I remember my meditation day correctly I spent roughly one third in prayer, one third asleep and one third planning the transport schedules for the shipping season about to start - I trusted a noble Paladin like Dominic to use the day more responsibly.  

Once he was settled at his place I was free to aid Starsong in her enquiries. We visited the library to find any history of her village (remember that she had apparently been victim to some 'time travel' and did not truly understand its fate). The only thing we discovered was that there was nothing to discover. Other villages of the Plains were mentioned frequently, indeed up-to-date histories were available on most of them, but of her home there was not a single mention. Neither of us being scholars, we swiftly reached the limit of our ability but the conspicuous absence of any mention of Starsong's village bought the interest of the Head Librarian. 
We left to matter in his far more capable hands and spent the rest of the day scuffling with Brother Ithariel on the training grounds