The Warband of Wolves

by indogma

Within the many kingdoms of Calradia, war grips the land. Each country wants to win no matter the cost. And in the middle of it all, a college student, Roland, is thrown into the fray. But he finds out he is not alone, and an long forgotten prophecy has for told his coming. But what does it mean? Is it fate or dumb luck? And can Roland survive the harsh life within Calradia?

21. The Invitation

Mount and Blade-

The Warband of Wolves

By Indogma

Inspired by the Mount and Blade Series, primarily the game: Mount and Blade: Warband.

The Invitation

Dhirim was booming with activity after the tournament ended for the day, the streets and inns were full of watchers of the tourney celebrating their champion's or friend's win in the first of round of the tournament, or trying to get some food or drink. Either way, Roland and the other wolves who were competing had to push through the crowds just to get back to their inn. When they arrived back at the inn, they found the rest of the Wolves already celebrating Roland and Ymira's advance into the next round. As the two of them walked into the crowded inn, the Wolves raised their pints and cheered. Roland smiled, "You give me too much credit!"

As the day slowly dimmed into dusk, the inn began to settle down. Most of the people who were not staying in the inn were now leaving in order to return to their lodgings or find a place to spend the night. Which left only the patrons of the inn, the majority of which were the Wolves. Roland, Jeremus Alayen, Deshavi and several other Wolves were trapped in a game of Calradia poker. Jeremus was leading the group with the most denars, but Roland was closing the gap. Around the table another group watched, with extreme interest, either to learn the game or watch the competition. It was like having a private tourney of their own. In fact of most the Wolves hoped that, of those two, Roland or Jeremus would win, Roland always gave the men who lost their money it back at the end of the game, (cause he really didn't need it), and Jeremus would use is earnings often to buy better medical supplies. Plus a well-paid surgeon often meant better service.

As the game progressed, it came down between Roland and Jeremus. Two of the stronger players, it would be a fun game. Then from the front of the inn, a figure walked in. It was a young page from the castle, looking around meekly, as if he was out of his element. He then stopped Klethi, holding a pint in her hand, and asked, "Excuse me, ma'am. But would you know where is Roland of the Wolves? Is this his lodgings for the tournament?"

Klethi turned to the page slowly. Her face was as red as her hair thanks to the three pints she had had before. She then leaned in close and asked in a drunken voice, "What does you knows 'bout Roland?" The page then stepped back and said, "I-I bring invitations from the nobles to invite him to the feast at the castle this night." "Oh, that…" said Klethi disappointed, although she didn't know why. She then pointed to the table were Roland was sitting, but had trouble keeping her hand steady and kept point to every one but Roland, "He's…" she pointed to Haydee, then Ymira, Matheld, Alayen, Jeremus, and Deshavi. She then waved off in the direction of the table and slurred, "'ver tere."

The page nodded, thanked her and quickly darted off in that direction glad to be rid of the drunken girl. He then walked up to the table with all the people crowding around it and began to ask each of the men around the table if anyone of them were Roland. One of the men, after being asked if he was Roland then shouted, "Oi, captain! A boy's here for you!" Roland then looked up from his game and sighed. "Well then men, make room for him." All of the men took a step away from the page, making an aisle for the boy to Roland.

When the boy first saw Roland he then swallowed hard. He had sent messages to mercenaries before, and they never were friendly. He expected this to be no different. He then slowly walked up and stood in front of Roland, who was looking emotionless at the boy. The boy then stuttered, "A-are you," then he panicked, "the Wolves of the Roland?" The boy then kicked himself mentally, he screwed up. He then heard a loud laughter from the men around him, and closed his eyes in shame. He then peeked at Roland expecting him to be furious. Instead the boy saw Roland half-smiling.

He straightened up in his chair, "Now that was the first time I was ever called that." "I'm sorry sir!" Blurted the page. Roland merely laughed, "Haha, it's fine." He then saw the look in the boy's eyes. "Are you nervous?" The boy gave a small nod. Roland smiled, he was once a page in Henderson's court, he could relate, talking to mercenaries in taverns was his least favorite duty. He then said calmly, "You can do it. Just take several deep breaths and start again. Ok?"

The page did as he requested, and started again, "Are you the one called Roland of the Wolves?" Roland smiled, "There you go." He then said, "Yes, I am Roland of the Wolves. I take it you have a message for me?" The page nodded, "Yes sir," said the page reaching into his satchel and pulling out a stack of letters, "Invitations for the feast being held tonight."

Roland then looked heavily at the stack of letters, and the men jeered at each other. Roland then plopped the stack of letters on the table and asked Jeremus, "You take half?" The surgeon nodded, and took the top half of the pile. Both of them began to go through the letters by name, "Count Montewar, Count Devlian, Count Despin." "It seems like the entirety of the nobles want you there," laughed Jeremus. He then pulled out one letter and smiled, "Here's one from the king himself," said Jeremus placing it on the table in front of Roland He then looked at it unimpressed and went back to his half.

The page then looked at Roland like he had just committed treason, "Aren't you going to read it sir?!" Roland shook his head, "I've been invited to enough feast to know this: they say the exact same thing every time. I don't have to read it because I know what it is going to say." Roland then pulled a letter from his stack and looked at the name, Lady Elina. Roland sighed; his "stalker" was here in the city. He knew he would regret opening the letter and reading it, but he did anyway. After breaking the wax seal, he then begun to read the letter:

My Dearest Roland,

You have won my heart over again today with your skill you showed today in the tournament. I missed you the least time you visited Uxkhal. How can I help you understand that my feeling for you are not false but truer then—

Roland got no further. He crumpled the letter in his hand and threw it on the table. He didn't want to know what else it is said.

Finishing his stack Jeremus then said, "Nearly half the counts and their daughters or sisters want you to go to the feast tonight." He then looked at Roland and sighed, "But I bet you won't go." "Jeremus," said Roland still looking though his stack of letters, "it's not really a bet if you know the outcome already then is?" Jeremus laughed, "True, but I'd still make the bet."

Roland smiled, "So would I." he then took out a invitation from Henderson, opened it—it was in Henderson's hand— and begun to read it:

Roland,

I'm taking the time to write this invite because I know you will read this. I know I cannot force you to come to the feast tonight but I would hope that you would come to humor me. Count Grainwad, would like to thank you personally for saving his daughter, and he would find it a slap to his honor if you did not come on his request.

Also the Nobles seem to think, now after you rescued me from Tulga, that I have some sort of pull on you. That if I bark enough, you will be bow to my every need. Now we both know this is not true, but the counts seem to have it set in their minds that that is true. And now the king believes it. So if you do not come I may look bad in the eyes of the king and counts. I know I am in no position to be asking favors but I was hoping you could come as a show of good faith.

I have told the other Counts that I have not written you an invite, and if you come in on your own, it will dispel these rumors and I will never ask you to come to another feast that you do not want to come to.

Now I understand that Lady Elina will be at the feast tonight. Should you come, I promise to take one for the team and keep her occupied for the rest of the night and prevent you from seeing her.

It is your choice in the end, though I hope you will come tonight and prevent a large headache that we both could have with this— you being my dog— mentality the nobles have.

Henderson.

Roland then scratched his head at the letter. He was "Henderson's dog?" The idea of him and his group being branded to Henderson like that did not sit well with him. But it still was not enough to motivate him to go, even if Elina was being taken care of. Roland shook his head, "There will be other times to disprove the rumors," thought Roland.

Roland was about to give up on the rest of the invites when a name stuck out of the list of names, Lady Sonadel. Roland then raised an eyebrow to the letter. He would not have expected one form her. Slowly rereading the name again to be sure it was the same name, he opened the letter. It read,

To Roland of the Wolves,

To begin I must apologize for my behavior on the ride back to the city. I hope you understand that I was under unusual circumstances. It was wrong of me for accusing you of being in my Father's pockets, and I wish to apologize in person to you at the feast tonight.

Also I must mention your performance in the tournament. Compared to the rest of the men, your performance was a welcomed treat from the usual slash and hack that the tournament usually brings. It was refreshing to see a true fighter for once. And I wish you the best of luck in the next round. You may need it.

Respectfully Yours

Lady Sonadel

Roland then looked at the letter cautiously and reread two more times before lowering it. It was and odd letter. Short and to the point, which he expect from Lady Sonadel's attitude. But there was something else off.

"Jeremus," Asked Roland, still looking at the letter, "You remember Lady Sonadel from yesterday right?" The surgeon nodded, "Ay, I remember her. Why?" "Did she seem like the type to apologize to anyone?" Jeremus laughed, "I'd think you'd have an easier time making a stone bleed then see her say sorry to anyone!" Roland nodded, that's what he thought as well. He then looked at the page and smiled, "I suppose you are waiting for my answer?"

The boy nodded, "Yes sir! I am here you escort you to the palace. Should you accept." Jeremus smiled, he suspected Roland would say "no." But it surprised him when Roland said: "Alright, give me five minutes to get ready, and you can escort me to the feast."

When Roland came back down from his room he was wearing a chainmail suit with a new Wolf surcoat over it. The page then asked, "Sir, you do realize that this is a formal feast?" Roland laughed, "Boy, give the people what they expect. They know me to be a mercenary, so why disappoint them." While Roland did have a set of formal contemporary clothes for feast, he rarely wore it. He'd prefer the feel of his chainmail and surcoat. He then looked over to Jeremus and said, "You are in charge until I get back." He then looked at the men and joked, "Behave yourselves Wolves!" The men then laughed and jeered. "Ahh, yous knows we will!" Came a voice from the crowd. It was Klethi, even more intoxicated. "Off to sees the nobles? Well be sura stab one for me!" She said finishing off her pint. Roland then leaned over to Deshavi and said, "you are in charge of her tonight. Make sure she gets to bed without doing any harm to anyone." Deshavi weakly smiled and nodded then stood up to help her friend.

As Roland and the page then left the inn, they heard Klethi say, "Desshavavi! Where have ya been? Here take a pint!" Roland then looked at the page with an awkward smile as if to say, "She's special." And the page returned the smile, before leading Roland towards the castle for the feast.

When the pair of them reached the castle, Roland was allowed in without any hesitation. Walking towards the great hall, Roland could see several servants running back and forth between the hall and the kitchen, taking the empty trays of food back to the kitchen, and bringing out trays full of food into the great hall. As he passed the doorway to the kitchen he ran into a servant girl carrying a jug of wine in each of her hands. The two crashed and the girl spilled wine all over Roland surcoat. When the girl saw Roland, a look of fear then came over her face, "Milord! I am so sorry, I did not see you there!"

Roland then wiped the wine from his surcoat, but was not angry. "It's fine," he said trying to calm her down, "It's my fault," he said passing blame off the servant girl, "I didn't see you there. I ran into you." The girl the looked at Roland in the eyes to see he was sincere, she was small, with dark brown hair, with brown freckles peppering her face and bright grey eyes.

"Oi, Molly! Get that wine to the counts!" Came a voice from the kitchen. Out of the doorway, a sweaty ugly woman with dark brown decaying teeth came out of kitchen and looked at the two of them angrily. "What's this? I got a kitchen ta run 'ere! I don't needs ya chatting to some merc!" She then saw the wine on Roland's surcoat, and turned to the servant angrily, "You spilled wine on him? You good for nothing slut!"

The servant girl then lowered her head and looked like she was on the verge of tears, but Roland then stepped in, "It was my fault Madam, I ran into her and made her spill the wine on me. Do not blame her." The kitchen lady then looked at Roland and then back to the girl, sighing sharply she then dropped her anger. "Alright Molly, get that wine out to the counts, now!" The servant girl then took off with the two jugs of wine into the great hall. "Thank you for under standing," said Roland. The woman just scoffed and went back into the kitchen. When she disappeared, Roland then walked up the great hall, where the servant girl that he ran into came out again, holding two empty pitchers of wine. When she saw Roland she then stopped and said, "Thank you Milord. I would have been beaten if you hadn't said what you did." She then smiled, "I'm grateful Milord." Roland smiled back, "It was no problem." Then he added, "and please. I am not a Count, so don't call me "Milord". My name is Roland, Molly. So please call me that." The girl nodded, "Yes, Mil—" she caught the words in her mouth, "Roland." He nodded his head in the direction of the kitchen, "You better get back before that hag decides to beat you." Molly nodded and ran into the kitchen. Roland then turned and rolled his shoulder and sighed, preparing himself for the challenge of the feast.

The feast was already underway by the time Roland entered into the main hall. The main course had been served and eaten, leaving the guests free to roam around the great hall and converse with each other. Roland then saw that their were more people here then he realized, then he noticed that a lot of the people here where rich merchants and their families here for the tournament As Roland passed the archway, a page who was standing on the side of the archway asked, "Your name sir?"

"It's Roland of the Wolves," he said gesturing at his surcoat as if it was obvious. The page then turned and cried, "Roland of the Wolves!" After the crier announced Roland's name the entire great hall froze and turned to see the newest guest to their feast. Roland then glared crossly at the page, leaned in and whispered, "You know with me wearing this surcoat it makes what you just did rather redundant, don't you think?" And with that Roland walked further into the hall, now the topic of all the whispers and quiet chat in the Roland. Seeing the king, surrounded by the dozens of ladies and lords, he decided he should greet the king right off of the bat and get that introduction out of the way.

Walking to the king, Harlaus smile, "Roland! I am glad you are here! I see you received my invitation!" Roland then gave the a small bow, (reasoning to be a little curious in order to avoid any more ridicule from any of the other counts), to the king and said, "Of course King Harlaus. It is hard to refuse the offer from the King himself." Roland grinned to himself while saying that. He had refused the king's offer on several occasions, he just said that in order to make the other counts believe that he came because of the king's invitation, rather then Henderson's letter.

"Well, help yourself to some of the remaining food," said the gesturing to the long table in the center of the great hall. Roland smiled, and took the king's advice. As he walked over to the table he saw a bunch of goblets of wine and walked over to help himself. As he pick one up, he heard a sharp, "Psst," from behind him. Turning around, he saw it was the servant girl Molly, motioning him to walk over to her. He then lean over and she whispered, "Don't drink the wine, Hadga the kitchen lady spits in it and on the food to spite the Counts." Roland then looked at the gobbet, and the liquid inside of it lost all of it's beauty thanks to imagining the ugly sweaty lady with the brown decaying teeth spitting into the wine, to Roland, slowly putting down the gobbet, he then turned to the girl and said, "Thanks for that, I owe you." The servant smiled, but then turned and went back to work.

Now that the entire feast's food selection was "contaminated" Roland decided to walk around the great hall. He kept a very sharp eye out for Henderson and or Elina, not wanting to accidentally head in the direction of them.

Roland then managed to find Count Delinard and join in on the conversation he was having with the Counts: Grainwad, Ryis and Regas, about the wars between the Sultanate and the Rhodoks, and the Khanate and Vaegirs. Count Regas started, "I still believe that the Veagirs cannot hold their own. Winning Sungetche Castle and holding Nelag Castle was a fluke, nothing more." Then Count Ryis countered, "according to my spies. The Veagirs army is far better equipped then the Khanate, would not surprise me if they take a city from the Khans." "Are these the same spies that told you that the Sultanate are winning the war with the Rhodoks?" Snorted Count Regas, "I'd have thrown their advice out by now! There is now way the Sultanate could hold off the Rhodoks for this long! The Sutlan's armies are tired and ill prepared!" Count Delinard then turn and smiled at Roland, "Well, Roland what do you think?"

Roland started surprised at the Count, expecting to listen and not be actually apart of the conversation. "Yes," exclaimed Count Regas, "What does the "legendary" mercenary captain think of this?" Roland sighed and begun slowly, "Well… I cannot say that I heard much or seen the war with my own two eyes with the Khanate and the Veagirs. But I have seen the Sultan and his army recently." The three counts, other then Count Delinard, looked at each other and laughed. "If you don't believe, just ask Henderson," smiled Roland quieting their laughter. Then Roland continued, "As I was saying, I have seen the Sultan's personal army. And I'm sorry to inform you Count Regas, but the Sultan's armies did not look like what you described them to be."

"And what would you know about an army? You've never been in a real battle before." Protested Count Ragas. "Enough to know whether an army is in good shape or not." Countered Roland, "Now I may not in your mind know what a true "battle" might be, but I know how to up keep an army. And I looked at the Sultan's men, they were well equipped, most of their armor was newer and their weapons also seemed to have been recently made. Hard to be "tried and ill prepared" if the army can afford weapons like that." The three counts looked at Roland and nodded, "So what do you think will happen?" Asked Delinard. Roland shook his head, "It is hard to say at his point, maybe they will reach a stalemate and just call the whole war off. The Sultanate certainly looked like their army could handle themselves in a battle." He then looked at the counts, "But as I am sure you all realize nothing is ever finalized in war." The counts nodded in agreement. In war anything was possible.

As he chatted with the four Counts, he saw Lady Sonadel in the corner of his eye. She seemed tied with a group of ladies that were chatting with each other. She had a bored and dreading look on her face, it looked at though she was taken prisoner again.

When her eyes met his, she gave a sight smile, and motioned him to meet her by one of the pillar benches. Roland then excused himself from the counts and went to sit by her. Sitting beside her, he then sigh, "I read your letter." "Did you?" She said still looking forwards, "Was it that made you come tonight?" "Who said I was not coming?" "Everyone," she said plainly, "They all thought if Henderson didn't ask you to come you wouldn't." She then frowned, "They call you his "dog"." "Really?" Asked Roland, pretending this was the first time he heard it, "Why would they call me that?" "Because they say he has you an a leash, like a tamed wolf." She then looked at him, and asked, "Does he?"

Roland laughed, "Ha, no. Not really. I mean I help him out a lot because he his one of the few nobles I really trust." He then smiled, "And who I am friends with." He then looked at her and explained his trust, "He helped me start the wolves over three years ago. He gave me training, money and equipment. And he never asked for anything back. So I owe him." He smiled, "But I guess now he owes me. Huh?"

"So you are loyal to him?" asked Sonadel not changing emotions. Roland shrugged, "It's rather hard to think of betraying a trust I had with him over three years. Sure I do a job for him every now and again, but he never forces me to accept a job I do not want to do. He respects by opinion, which is rare for any lord to do, don't you agree?" Lady Sonadel looked down to the ground, there was some odd about her tonight. The previous night before she had been radiant and fiery, but now she was dimmed. Then he remembered the letter, the reason why he came here, it was off as well.

"Are you ok?" Asked Roland, "you seem "off" to night?" Sonadel looked at Roland and snapped defensively, "What makes you say that?" Roland then counted the reasons on his hand, "well first off, you seem distracted right now. Second you wanted me to come tonight, or at least that is what the letter sounded like. Now here I am and you are distracted and distant for some reason." "That is hardly a reason to say I am acting strange," defended Sonadel. "And finally," said Roland driving it home, "you apologized to me in the letter. I may have only known you for a day, but in that sort span I never took you for someone who would apologize, unless you were forced to. Neither did my surgeon for that matter, and he has seen a lot of people in his days."

Lady Sonadel then stood up, and said in a firm voice, "You think you know me, Roland of the Wolves? You think you can place me in a category of other people in your mind, like I am predictable?" "I didn't mean it like that," said Roland in a calm voice, "I just mean I found it odd for you to do."

She turned her head away, and countered scornfully, "Well I can say that I mean this! I was wrong about you Roland! I thought you were different from the rest of these men! But I see you are just the same thug as every other mercenary in this land." "That's being a bit unfair," said Roland hurt. "I do not care. You think you are so great? What makes you think that? Placing first in four tournaments and second in another? That does not make you great, it makes you a thug with a sword. Nothing more. Not a man." Before she turned to leave she added, "I hope the fighter Xenria puts you back into your place." And with that she left the great hall and the feast.

Roland watcher her leave with a slight frown on his puzzled face. He had not expected this when he came here tonight. She was behaving stranger then Roland realized, but could not figure out why.

As Lady Sonadel stormed down the hallway to her room, she passed a dark corridor. "What did you find out?" Came a voice that made Lady Sonadel stop. She didn't need to look into the corridor to see who it was, she knew the voice. "If you want to try to convince Roland to help in your plot, it will be very difficult." "So he is "Henderson's Dog?"" Lady Sonadel shook her head, "No, he's Henderson's friend." She then added, "Making him far worse then a mere dog."

"I see, have you found anything else?" The lady shook her head. "No." "That is it?" "I did what you asked," she replied angrily. "It is not enough." "She then spun around and glared angrily at the man in the corridor. "Look, we had a agreement. I find out Roland's loyalty to Henderson and you keep quiet!" "The agreement has changed," said the voice menacingly. "Unless you would prefer to drop out of the tournament…" the man then said mockingly, "Xerina." She then turned her back to the man in the corridor, "No, I…" she closed her eyes in anger. And then opened them giving in. "What else do you need from me?"

"For now nothing. But I will let you know, and when I do. You better do it." "But what about my father, and the tournament?" "I will keep your involvement in the tournament secret, as long as you do what I say. Understand?"

"Yes," said Lady Sonadel reluctantly. "Good, now go back to you room, girl." She glanced angry at her blackmailer, she hated being told what to do. But she had to comply and slowly walked towards her room, leaving the man in the corridor to himself.

Roland was now becoming quickly bored, with no one to really talk to, he sat on the bench and begun to groom himself. As he sat there, he heard a voice, "This is the first time I have really talked to you, Roland of the Wolves." Roland looked up to see a middle-aged man, balding with dark black hair and a curly mustache holding a gobbet of wine. It was Count Montewar. "I was hoping to chat with you before the feast was over, and now I have my chance."

"Glad to see my presence is so desired." Said Roland jokingly.

The count then sat beside Roland and said, "I must admit, I enjoyed watching you in the tournament today. Now that was a round worth watching." Roland shrugged the complement, "To me it was just another round." The count smiled, "It was just another fight to you?" Roland gave a small nod, "Yes, I guess it was that." "Hmm, you are strange." Said the count. Roland didn't pay much attention to the count, he remember Montewar calling him a "whelp" but didn't care about it. The count then look a serious tone, "I was hoping I could speak to you about possible work I might have that might require you and your Wolves.

Roland slowly looked at the count, "What kind of work?" "Well work that would require you to technically work under me." "So I would be a mercenary troop that works directly under you, and only under you?" The count nodded, "But of course." Then he added, "Unless the rumors are true, and you really are Henderson's dog?" Roland was not surprised Montewar would say that to bait him to agree to his proposal. While most of the counts he knew were egotistical they were not stupid. They knew how to manipulate simple minded or easily angered people. Fortunately, Roland was neither.

Roland stood up and shook his head, "Sorry, Count Montewar, if I agreed to your terms I would become your dog. And the Wolves and I are nobody's "dog". We go and do what we please." The count sighed disappointed, "very well it is your choice." The Count then took a sip from his gobbet, which made Roland smile. "Is something amusing to you?" asked the count looking at Roland. Roland shook his head, "No, it's nothing."

Then one of the pages cried out, "My lords and ladies! I must inform you that it is time to say farewell to the ladies. Fore it is time for them to retire for the night." With that all of the ladies gave a small curtsy to whomever they were talking to and began to leave. As they walked by Roland some of the ladies, who Roland suspect were not being courted, blushed and averted their eyes from his gaze. While flattered, Roland shook the feeling away, he had never met any of them, and yet they were head over heals for him. It just went to show that they loved him for his reputation, and little else.

As the girls filed out leaving the men to occupy the great hall, Roland then turned to see if he could spot Henderson anywhere in the great hall. As he looked a young man caught sight of Roland walked over to him and said with a hint of anger, "Are you Roland? The captain of the Wolves?" The young man was well dressed, and had enough jewelry on his person to rival any noble's selection. He wasn't noble, but wanted to be. "I have a complaint against one of you," then he clenched his jaw, "Wolves." Roland raised and eyebrow, not exactly trusting his complaint. "Really? Pray tell, what did one of my Wolves do to possibly offend you?" Roland guessed it would not take much to offend him.

"The bitch pulled a knife on my and threatened my life! It was the woman with the scar across her right eye. The one called Haydee!" Roland shook his head, "She is not the kind of person to pull a knife on anyone," then he added, "Unless they asked for it." "Are you implying that I made her pull the knife on me?" Said the young man, insulted. "Do you know who I am?" "Actually, no I don't. You never told me your name." "It's Percian Bottlen, my father is Pestian Bottlen. Maybe you've heard of him? The richest spice merchant in Dhirim?" Roland shook his head. "Never heard of him. Or you for that matter."

"Well, then I must tell you, that my family has a strong influence in this city. And I can make your time here very difficult. That is if you do not listen to me." Roland then crossed his arms and asked "what do you want?" The young man smiled, "I want to punish her, for threatening me and making me lose face in the sight of all of the crowd." "And what would be her 'Punishment'?" The man smiled wickedly, "That is up to me," his smiled disappeared, "And if you refuse these demands, there will be consequences. For you, her and your troop."

Roland then narrowed his eyes, "Your pretty stupid, threatening a mercenary captain and his men." "Am I?" Laughed the young man, "My father can buy this city three times over! He can make anything I want happen!" Roland then approached Percian threateningly, "You know, it's rather sad, a grown man like yourself holding on to your father coin purse like it was a bottle of milk. I wonder what will happen when your father is gone and you are all alone? What will happen?"

"Enough!" Commanded Percian as if he had authority, "You have my demands, now do what I ask!" Roland then turned his back to the young man and said, "No." "What?" "You heard me, I will not give Haydee to you." "I gave you a command." "And I do not take commands." "You bring me that bitch, or I will see to it that you and your men suffer!" Roland then turn around and stared down the boy, "Threaten my men again or call Haydee a "bitch" again and you will be sorry."

"I say again, Roland of the Wolves. You bring me that bitch or I'll—" Roland's fist in Percian's jaw then prevent the rest of the statement from being said. When the boy recovered he then held is jaw in shock, and yelled, "He has assaulted me! Roland of the Wolves has assaulted me!"

"I didn't see anything." Said a voice from behind Percian. He turned it was Count Henderson. Percian then began to quiver with fear again, "Twice in one day, Percian. You are really starting to get on my nerves." "My lord!" Henderson then leaned in close and said with a harmful tone, "I do not give a damn who your father is, or what sort of power you have here, you threaten a friend of mine and his men. And that is not something I easily forgive." "But Count Henderson!" "I was tempted to speak with your father, about your conduct at the tournament earlier today, but decided to give you the benefit of the doubt. But now I just might decide to meet with him and discus your future." Henderson then smiled, "I have plenty of room in my dungeons for well groomed men like yourself."

Percian then lowered his head, and Henderson said, "Leave. And I mean Dhirim, until the tournament is done. A day before and I will see to it you are a guest in my dungeons." Percian nodded understanding and took off out of the great hall. Henderson then turned to Roland and shook his head. "Did you have to punch him?"

"He threatened my men, and called Haydee a bitch. I'm not going to let him insult my men without him seeing my men's reply to the insults." Henderson sighed. "Well at least you showed up," he said looking on the bright side. "I see you kept your end of the bargain," stated Roland. "Yes, it was a lot of work. But I managed to make sure that Lady Elina never knew you were here." Henderson then said as if in pain, "I had to have her tour the castle with me. It was not fun." "Don't expect that doing that makes us even. Remember that I did not have to come tonight." "Yeah," shrugged Henderson, "But you had to. Unless you preferred to be called my dog." Henderson then smiled, "Shame, it was kind of nice having a personal "dog" to do my bidding."

Roland then shot an angry look at Henderson, "Don't call me that." Henderson then raised his hands, "alright, alright. You're not my dog. And everyone here knows that now."

"Have you been able to touch up on those rumors of Francis?" Asked Roland changing topics. Henderson shook his head, "I haven't been to Suno yet, Roland. I came straight here with the king, and let my army to return home. I sent some information back to Nox to check into, but I doubt the army will make to Suno until tomorrow." "I see." "So nothing new."

"What about the letter I found with Lady Sonadel?" Henderson shook his head, "Who ever wrote it was very careful with it. There is hardly any sign to hint who wrote it. But the King now has seen and as promised me he will be careful with the hearing of rumors. So I guess I have a safety net of sort." He then looked at Roland, "but we know this. You were not supposed to find Lady Sonadel. The Lions were."

"What do you mean?" Henderson leaning in closer and his voice quieted. "Someone tipped off the Lions as to where Lady Sonadel was being held. He would have been the one to find her, that is… if you had not beat him to the location." "I beat him?" "By an hour. Hagen didn't receive the message that Lady Sonadel was found. So he came riding back to protest to the count that gave him the info." Roland then thought back to the afternoon, when Hagen called him out, "so that is why he was so upset today." The Roland realized, "Wait a Count gave him the lead?" "Yes," nodded Henderson, "But he wouldn't tell me who." "Couldn't you just force him to tell you?"

Henderson shook his head. "If I captured him, whoever did this will probably stop his plans knowing that we are after him." He then smiled, "Besides would you want to anger a big man like Hagen?" Roland nodded, "Touché. What do you plan to do?" "I plan to let the enemy make the next move, I now know it is a Swadian count thanks to Hagen. He would never work for anyone else below a count. It is "degrading" for him." "That helps?" Asked Roland. While it diminished the number of suspects, it still did not single out anyone. Henderson shrugged, "It's a start. I can name a few Counts that would love to see me go. And some who would sink this low to get rid of me."

"Do you need any help?" Offered Roland. Personally he wanted to solve this and get the one responsible for this. Henderson smiled, "This is my affair, my problem. Besides I owe you a lot as it is. I dare not ask for anymore more help or you might rob me dry." Roland smiled, "Hey, I got to be sure you are going to be around to pay me back. If whoever succeed in their plots, and they manage to get you in trouble I don't want to save you again. Especially if you are no longer a count."

Henderson nodded, "Fair enough. I'll keep you posted in what I know. For now, focus on the tournament. Get another "w" to you chart," smiled Henderson. "How many would that make if you win? Five?" "Six," corrected Roland. "I thought you knew my record better then me." But he couldn't blame Henderson too much, he himself forgot earlier when he was talking to Xerina. Roland then froze and realized something. He then swung his head out of the great hall. "What is it Roland?"

"Lady Sonadel, she…" he then realized what it meant. "Uh, she seemed odd tonight." Said Roland covering his realization. "What brought this on?" Roland shrugged, "I… just remembered I didn't talk to her about it." "About what?" "The letter she sent me, she apologized in it." Henderson grunted, "Huh, that is odd. If she wrote it in paper, I'd keep the letter. It's one of the few times I've heard her do that."

Roland nodded for no reason, but then looked out a small window and saw how dark the sky was. "It's late, I better get back and sleep for tomorrow." Henderson nodded, "Right," smiled Henderson. "I'll be watching, good luck tomorrow."

Roland smiled back, "Thanks. Well I will be off." "Oh," said Henderson remembering, "I'd talk to Haydee. She might have something to say to you." Roland didn't know what he meant by that, but shrugged it off as Henderson's own type of humor.

As he walked towards the exit, he saw the servant girl Molly scrubbing the floor with a brush. Roland then walked over to her, and said, "Thanks again, for the advice on the wine." She looked at him, and smiled, "It was a pleasure mil— Roland." She then looked bashful and asked, "You saved my skin, sir. I would…" there was a hint of nervousness in her voice, "I would like to repay you sir in whatever way that I could." Roland sighed, "No Molly, I do not need repayment. Warning me of the wine was enough." He then walked past her and said, "Take carry, Molly." The young girl looked down at the floor, but then worked up the nerve to call out after him, "Are you in a courtship with someone?" Roland stopped and looked at her. "No," he said in thought, "I'm not. But I'm in a place were it wouldn't make sense if I did." And with that he reached the door and walked out of the castle.

Outside Roland sighed, at the girl's question. It troubled him. But he had answered honestly. He didn't what a relationship, at least not yet. It was not because he didn't want one, but it was because he felt there would be little point. He was not from this world, and he was searching for a way back. If he did go back, what would happen to the relationship? Could he take her back with him? Or would he have to leave her here? It wouldn't be fair to the one he chose. And he didn't want to be in that situation. But then he was unsure if he wanted to go back as well. He liked it here, it was simpler here. He had grown used to it.

Then the thought came to him, "What if I could come and go whenever I pleased?" It would be the best of both worlds. He could go home and visit his family but then come here and lead the Wolves whenever he wished. But was it possible?

Roland sighed too many worries. It's better not to have a relationship then worry about it. That way he would not hurt any one.

Arriving at the inn, Roland then found that most of the Wolves were missing, the only two remained were Jeremus and Haydee. The two of them were playing a game of Vert. "Still awake?" Asked Roland closing the door behind him. Jeremus smiled, "I thought I'd stay up to ask how it went. Haydee was kind enough to keep me company, until you got back." "I see." "How was it, Roland?" Asked Haydee. "Enlightening to say the least," replied Roland.

"Well that is helpful." Replied Jeremus. Roland nodded, then he turned to Haydee and asked, "I understand that you have something to talk to me about?" Haydee gave Roland a confused look, "What, Roland?" "Henderson said you had something to tell me." Haydee's eyes widened when she realized what he meant. "Um, well…" she said awkwardly.

"I'm sorry Haydee," Roland yawned, "but can this wait? I just became really tired and I should head to bed soon." Haydee smiled grateful for the offer, "Of course. I can tell you about it later." Roland nodded, sleepily and walked towards the stairs. When he got to the foot of the stairs he then added, "By the way I punched that prick Percian for you Haydee. You should really tell me when some rich brat bothers you like that." He then slowly walked up the stairs and to his room.

When he was gone, Haydee let out a sigh of relief. She was put on the spot, and it was quiet frightening. Jeremus just looked at her confused, but decided not to pry. With that they two abandoned the game and went to bed, leaving the first floor of the inn empty and quiet.

-End Notes-

Not an Origin Chapter.

For those of you who caught on to my pattern a couple of chapters ago, you'll have noticed that I am not following it these past couple chapters. I have a reason for it. So don't panic everyone will have an origin story.

Cheers

Indogma