The Story of Kurn and Eridani

Cover art by

Her Excellency, Mistress Lisabetta Maria da Firenze and is used with permission on file.

Copyright © 2013 Lisa Pompeo.

The Story of Kurn and Eridani (as described in letters published in Talewinds and Kingdom announcements)

Pridie Kalends December CDVI, Camulodunum, Britania

On Behalf of the Great Caesar, from Tribune

Angusticlavii Kurn O’Farrell, Earl of Antrum in

Uhladinum, Hybernia, and Appointed Successor to the

Trimarian Empire, to Lord Takamatsu Sadamitsu no kami

Tadayoshi, Magistratus Militum of Trimaris Legio VI

Victrix, Greetings:

As you are aware, The Emperor has tasked me with

preparation of the Legio VI Victrix transport across the

Gulf to Gallia. I will be using my personal bucellarii

in this endeavor. I request a report of the Triremes

available for transport by the Ides Januarius.

Upon arrival, I will be joining with the forces of

Eridani Aurus, Comitessa de Provincia Gallia

Narbonensis. We are expected to complete the training

of her army for the inevitable conflict that will result

when the barbarians cross the Rhine. As you are also

aware, Caesar has arranged our marriage to strengthen

the Empire’s position on the continent. Please make sure

that an escort is provided for my personal galley which

will be carrying items and gifts proper for this

occasion. Caesar has approved this with the treasury.

Infinitas pugnacitus honestus,

-kurn

(private note)(private note)(private note)(private note)

mei frater, Taka,mei frater, Taka,mei frater, Taka,mei frater, Taka,

I have received great support from the Empire as I preI have received great support from the Empire as I preI have received great support from the Empire as I preI have received great support from the Empire as I prepare for my journey. The Citizens of this Great pare for my journey. The Citizens of this Great pare for my journey. The Citizens of this Great pare for my journey. The Citizens of this Great

Kingdom have been so kind and I am blessed that Caesar and the Empress have seen fit to choose me as Their Heir. Kingdom have been so kind and I am blessed that Caesar and the Empress have seen fit to choose me as Their Heir. Kingdom have been so kind and I am blessed that Caesar and the Empress have seen fit to choose me as Their Heir. Kingdom have been so kind and I am blessed that Caesar and the Empress have seen fit to choose me as Their Heir.

My heart is warmed by generosity of Trimaris. My heart is warmed by generosity of Trimaris. My heart is warmed by generosity of Trimaris. My heart is warmed by generosity of Trimaris.

I have many concerns and would ask your counsI have many concerns and would ask your counsI have many concerns and would ask your counsI have many concerns and would ask your counsel, as my friend, on my betrothal. I have yet to meet the el, as my friend, on my betrothal. I have yet to meet the el, as my friend, on my betrothal. I have yet to meet the el, as my friend, on my betrothal. I have yet to meet the

Comitessa Comitessa Comitessa Comitessa and unlike Caesar’s inner circle, and unlike Caesar’s inner circle, and unlike Caesar’s inner circle, and unlike Caesar’s inner circle, she is unaware of this arrangement. I feel the only reason he shares His she is unaware of this arrangement. I feel the only reason he shares His she is unaware of this arrangement. I feel the only reason he shares His she is unaware of this arrangement. I feel the only reason he shares His

decision with us is to ensure my proper reaction when it is officially announcedecision with us is to ensure my proper reaction when it is officially announcedecision with us is to ensure my proper reaction when it is officially announcedecision with us is to ensure my proper reaction when it is officially announced. It is quite possible she will not know d. It is quite possible she will not know d. It is quite possible she will not know d. It is quite possible she will not know

until we land and my response to the announcement is critical. until we land and my response to the announcement is critical. until we land and my response to the announcement is critical. until we land and my response to the announcement is critical. The logic of Cesar is sound. The The logic of Cesar is sound. The The logic of Cesar is sound. The The logic of Cesar is sound. The Comitessa Comitessa Comitessa Comitessa holds holds holds holds

lands not only in Gallie, but in Britannia and Caledonia, as well as my beloved Hybernia. Her armilands not only in Gallie, but in Britannia and Caledonia, as well as my beloved Hybernia. Her armilands not only in Gallie, but in Britannia and Caledonia, as well as my beloved Hybernia. Her armilands not only in Gallie, but in Britannia and Caledonia, as well as my beloved Hybernia. Her armies in Gallie are es in Gallie are es in Gallie are es in Gallie are

vast. We will need them against the barbarians. I hear her beauty is beyond question, yet I do not know that she vast. We will need them against the barbarians. I hear her beauty is beyond question, yet I do not know that she vast. We will need them against the barbarians. I hear her beauty is beyond question, yet I do not know that she vast. We will need them against the barbarians. I hear her beauty is beyond question, yet I do not know that she

wants this union, nor how she will react. Our envoys have shared several strange customs from her lands. Like you, I wants this union, nor how she will react. Our envoys have shared several strange customs from her lands. Like you, I wants this union, nor how she will react. Our envoys have shared several strange customs from her lands. Like you, I wants this union, nor how she will react. Our envoys have shared several strange customs from her lands. Like you, I

am a sam a sam a sam a soldier at heart. What do I know of the proprieties of a high born Lady such as she? oldier at heart. What do I know of the proprieties of a high born Lady such as she? oldier at heart. What do I know of the proprieties of a high born Lady such as she? oldier at heart. What do I know of the proprieties of a high born Lady such as she?

Her lands are near your own. You must have had dealings with her. I implore you to please tell me about Her lands are near your own. You must have had dealings with her. I implore you to please tell me about Her lands are near your own. You must have had dealings with her. I implore you to please tell me about Her lands are near your own. You must have had dealings with her. I implore you to please tell me about

her. This arrangement is too important to the Empire for my iher. This arrangement is too important to the Empire for my iher. This arrangement is too important to the Empire for my iher. This arrangement is too important to the Empire for my ignorance to be its downfall.gnorance to be its downfall.gnorance to be its downfall.gnorance to be its downfall.

amicitia, amicitia, amicitia, amicitia,

----kurnkurnkurnkurn

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ides December CDVI, Paris Gaul,Ides December CDVI, Paris Gaul,Ides December CDVI, Paris Gaul,Ides December CDVI, Paris Gaul,

To the Tribune Augusticlavii Kurn O’Farrell, Earl of Antrim in Uhladinum, Hybernia, and son and Heir to the To the Tribune Augusticlavii Kurn O’Farrell, Earl of Antrim in Uhladinum, Hybernia, and son and Heir to the To the Tribune Augusticlavii Kurn O’Farrell, Earl of Antrim in Uhladinum, Hybernia, and son and Heir to the To the Tribune Augusticlavii Kurn O’Farrell, Earl of Antrim in Uhladinum, Hybernia, and son and Heir to the

Trimarian Empire does Lord Takamatsu SadamTrimarian Empire does Lord Takamatsu SadamTrimarian Empire does Lord Takamatsu SadamTrimarian Empire does Lord Takamatsu Sadamitsu no kami Tadayoshi, Magester Militum Trimaris send greetings. itsu no kami Tadayoshi, Magester Militum Trimaris send greetings. itsu no kami Tadayoshi, Magester Militum Trimaris send greetings. itsu no kami Tadayoshi, Magester Militum Trimaris send greetings.

I am honored by your letter and proud to have you, a lifelong soldier, as Heir. The Legions are well pleased.

I welcome your arrival and your Triremes will be met with honorable guard. They will conduct you to Averre to meet

the Comtessa.

Ave Caesar,Ave Caesar,Ave Caesar,Ave Caesar,

Lord Takamatsu Sadmitsu no kami TakayoshiLord Takamatsu Sadmitsu no kami TakayoshiLord Takamatsu Sadmitsu no kami TakayoshiLord Takamatsu Sadmitsu no kami Takayoshi

---

(For the eyes of the Tribune Kurn alone)

Ave Kurn,

The work of the Legions has been busy. Many settlements have had poor crops while

others have done better than usual. They don’t share well and the Legions get all the

blame. Uprisings are now constant. They got serious at the announcement of the

wedding. If the Comtessa is as pleased about your arrival as her surrounding Gauls, do

not forget your spear or your household guard at her door.

I have not met this lady but she holds the loyalties of the Gauls as though she were

some unmerited empress. She has land, she has money, and she pays troops. Since

Rome has been late with pay at times, her service is well regarded. The troops are well

trained and know Roman tactics. Your task will be to win their loyalty as foederati or,

failing that, win the Comtessa’s loyalty.

Diodurus spoke of women of the tribes that are nearly as tall as their men and rival

them also in courage. Amianus claimed, but he was a bit in his cups at the time, that a

whole troop of foreigners would not be able to withstand a Gaul if he but called his wife

to his assistance. The wife, he said, was even more formidable, usually very strong and

has blue eyes and red hair and in ra

ge her neck veins swell. She gnashes her teeth and brandishes snow white robust arms.

In marriage, the husband brings a portion of his property equal to her dowry to the

union. If one of the pair dies the surviving one inherits the whole estate. How

uncivilized an idea, women holding property. That is not the way it is done in Rome.

Don’t let anything happen to you, and watch the back of the Emperor. Too many

things can happen. Too many of our good Emperors have died before their time of

some evil mischance. Don’t let your evil be that Comtessa, she’d run off with your bit of

Hibernia.

Your steadfast friend,

Taka

Ides Januarius CDVII, Provincia Gallia Narbonensis

On Behalf of Great Caesar, from Tribune Angusticlavii

Kurn O’Farrell, Earl of Antrum in Uhladinum, Hybernia,

and Appointed Successor to the Trimarian Empire, to

Legates, SirTurold Dunstan Arminger and Sir Subadai

Baavgai Bahadur, Greetings:

Caesar will be arriving in March. By May, the Legions

of Trimaris will have established themselves and will be

ready for a respite and the enjoyment of the Arena. I

plan for these games to be a spectacle of the highest

magnitude. As word of the games spreads, rumors of the

prize will undoubtedly be inaccurate. As I share my

expectations with each of you, I expect you to convey

them to the Citizens that will be making the trip and

those already stationed in Gaul. For now please let it

be known that there will be an attendance expectation.

There are III methods for Combatants and Consorts to

meet this requirement. To enter the games, each must

each have attended at least VI events prior to the games

since November, MMXII (2012), or have attended Pennsic

XLI (2012), or the upcoming War in the Gulf(2013).

More information will be available as the games draw

near. Please keep track of these expectations as they

are shared and verify that the Combatants and Consorts

have met these requirements.

-kurn

________________________________________________________

A letter delivered by a personal courier at night to the house of Eridani of the Averrene People, known to the

Romans as Comtessa. It was double sealed and the inner seal was that of Alaric, King of the Visigoths.

Januareis or Sulamenoths, Arjaussdags 21, 407AD

Eridani Averrus,

The Roman forces of Emperor Theodosius were in my charge. Takamatsu is the Magester

Miletes and commands the legions now, but things could change. The Roman forces have no

Romans in them. The men are Vandals, Gauls, Brittons, and many Goths. The Senate won’t

pay their proper wages and the Roman population has taken to killing Goths in the streets.

Many angry Goth men come to me. We “barbarians” have never been good enough for

Romans. It angers me.

You are being forced to marry Kurn, the new hope of Krotuas and soon to be adopted by him.

You are the real prize; you have money and soldiers. The wedding contract will be signed on

Thursday of Gulf Wars. I had not heard you were seeking a husband. I would have offered.

Was it a surprise for you as well?

We all go now to fight our common enemy, the Ansteorrans at Gulf Wars. Before you sign the

contract, be sure what you do. Be the “barbarian” for Kurn and see how he hates you. See how

he fights by the side of his Emperor, is he a warrior or a buffoon? Does he lust for blood or

does he stand on a hill and watch? If Kurn is no fighter or can’t abide your savage nobility, do

not sign the marriage contract.

Ally with me and together we can bring Rome to her knees. I have struck at Roman lands and

hurt them as you know in 401 and 402. Before 410 ends, I will strike the city itself, the treasury

of all their souls, and hopefully much gold. That would make a pretty wedding gift for you.

If you are not with me, Rome will still fall, but as I leave Rome I will be sure to march out over

Averre with its rushing rivers and fine trade, trampling every vineyard, breaking every plow,

and leaving misery in my path, on your homeland.

In Promise and I will be watching you,

Alaric _________________________________________

Pridie Nonae FEBRVARIS CDVII, Provincia Gallia

Narbonensis

Unto Lord Takamatsu Sadamitsu no kami Tadayoshi,

Magistratus Militum of Trimaris Legio VI Victrix, from

Gavin Kycade, esq., Greetings:

The voyage with His Royal Highness, Kurn O’Farrell to Gaul was short. Despite the winter weather no gallies

were lost. Much preparation has occurred since landing.

The Prince tasked Equite Gaheris Vetruvius Gracchus and

Sergeant Corwyn Moray with setting of milestones and

watchtowers on the route to Moguntiacum. I am training

the auxilliaries of the Comitessa. They are very

interested in the modifications Baron Iain Fhearghuis

has engineered on the carroballista and are much

impressed by our staves of yew.

When Caesar and the Legions arrive, we will be ready

to march to Treverorum, just west of Moguntiacum in

Germania. The Rhenus may start to freeze so all must be

transported by wagon. His Higness requests more horses.

Treasury notes enclosed.

It is not just an army of Germania we face, but an

entire people. They are being driven from their lands

by horsemen far to the east. They cannot turn back and

their numbers are vast. War is inevitable. Many of the

new recruits are nervous that the Rhenus will freeze

before Caesar arrives, but I have faith for I have seen

the Knights of Trimaris in Battle. I know they will not

fail us. I am not afraid.

-gavin

(private correspondance)(private correspondance)(private correspondance)(private correspondance)

mei frater and equitus, Taka,mei frater and equitus, Taka,mei frater and equitus, Taka,mei frater and equitus, Taka,

Perhaps I misconstrue, but at timesPerhaps I misconstrue, but at timesPerhaps I misconstrue, but at timesPerhaps I misconstrue, but at times the Comitessa avoids Prince Kurn. I hope you will call me worrisome the Comitessa avoids Prince Kurn. I hope you will call me worrisome the Comitessa avoids Prince Kurn. I hope you will call me worrisome the Comitessa avoids Prince Kurn. I hope you will call me worrisome

after you arrive and see them together. after you arrive and see them together. after you arrive and see them together. after you arrive and see them together.

You have heard of the games the Prince will hold in May to honour Caesar? The troops are so excited. Many, You have heard of the games the Prince will hold in May to honour Caesar? The troops are so excited. Many, You have heard of the games the Prince will hold in May to honour Caesar? The troops are so excited. Many, You have heard of the games the Prince will hold in May to honour Caesar? The troops are so excited. Many,

including myself, would like to seeincluding myself, would like to seeincluding myself, would like to seeincluding myself, would like to see you compete. Please give my love to Brangwayna. you compete. Please give my love to Brangwayna. you compete. Please give my love to Brangwayna. you compete. Please give my love to Brangwayna.

----gavingavingavingavin

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A.D. XII KAL. APRILIS CDVII, Moguntiacum, Germania

Your Excellency, Mistress Mairi Ceilidh, Baroness of

Oldenfeld,

From Sir Cedric Dorchester, Lion of Oldenfeld,

Greetings:

This missive should find you in high spirits as the

Legions of Trimaris begin their return to Gaul after

such a successful campaign in the north. Caesar’s Glory grows. Your presence was an inspiration to the Lions and

the Legion alike.

By now you are already settling in at Oldenfeld and

I would prepare you for Princeps Kurn and his New Bride,

Princess Eridani’s arrival. I know you were just as surprised as I at Their impromptu wedding. The Heirs

will be heading back to Gaul ahead of the army to ensure

the Games are prepared to celebrate Caesar's victories.

They will expect your hospitality as they pass through.

His Higness asks that you inform the Barony and all

others intending to compete in the “Crown Tournament”

Celebration of the following: • Must be acceptable to the Crown

• Combatants must be authorized in All Fighting Styles

• Double Elimination

• Fighter and Consort, each must each have attended at

least VI events prior to the games since November,

MMXII (2012), OR have attended Pennsic XLI (2012),

OR the War in the Gulf(2013).

• No Two-weapon Fighting

(back-up weapons: arming sword, dagger, etc(max

2ft.) allowed if your main weapon is 7ft. or

longer)

• If you did not change styles before the finals, you

may not fight the 1st bout with the style you used

to reach the finals.

• Finals will best of 5.

I look forward to returning Home,

-Cedric the Just ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A.D. XVIII KAL. MAIVs, CDVII, Londinium, Britannia,

Trimaris

From Kurn O’Farrell, King of Trimaris,

Unto His Excellency, Forgal Kerstetter, Knight of

Trimaris, Greetings:

Good Sir Forgal, We thank you for your service in

the Gulf and hope that your stay at home will be a

lengthy one. The Price of Peace is one that weighs upon

us all. Yet there is reason to rejoice! Trimaris is once

again enjoying the prosperity earned by all that

supported the recent campaign.

After the Tragic demise of Caesar and the

Empress(may they rest in Elusium) and the way Rome

crumbles each day, I am more resolute that becoming King

and Queen of Trimaris was the prudent choice. The people

of Trimaris have treated Us with generosity and it warms

Our hearts.

As it turns out, Our “hasty” Wedding at Gulf Wars has

been beneficial. Her Majesty’s land and people, although also depleted by war, make Trimaris stronger. But not

quite strong enough. It is Our hope that all of Trimaris

will take part in recruiting and “repopulating” the army and citizenship that only Trimaris can produce. For Our

part, Her Majesty and I will host the Games as

originally planned for May.

Trimaris must have Heirs.

Vivat!

-kurn

Rex Trimaris

--- ---- ----

(private note)(private note)(private note)(private note)

mei frater, Forgal,mei frater, Forgal,mei frater, Forgal,mei frater, Forgal,

Although Eridani and I have said our vows and contracts have been signed, I find myself in a strange Although Eridani and I have said our vows and contracts have been signed, I find myself in a strange Although Eridani and I have said our vows and contracts have been signed, I find myself in a strange Although Eridani and I have said our vows and contracts have been signed, I find myself in a strange

situation. I am ofsituation. I am ofsituation. I am ofsituation. I am often absent from the Queen. The responsibilities of the Crown force me to travel and when at home I ten absent from the Queen. The responsibilities of the Crown force me to travel and when at home I ten absent from the Queen. The responsibilities of the Crown force me to travel and when at home I ten absent from the Queen. The responsibilities of the Crown force me to travel and when at home I

end up working late in the throne room. When we are finally togetherend up working late in the throne room. When we are finally togetherend up working late in the throne room. When we are finally togetherend up working late in the throne room. When we are finally together, it is fleeting and to be honest rather , it is fleeting and to be honest rather , it is fleeting and to be honest rather , it is fleeting and to be honest rather

“awkward”. T“awkward”. T“awkward”. T“awkward”. The Festival of Salus has past and he Festival of Salus has past and he Festival of Salus has past and he Festival of Salus has past and it seems the headache that started at Gulf Wars on the very evening of it seems the headache that started at Gulf Wars on the very evening of it seems the headache that started at Gulf Wars on the very evening of it seems the headache that started at Gulf Wars on the very evening of

our nuptials won’t go away. This headache is reaching epic proportions! She reassures me that “it is not me”(and of our nuptials won’t go away. This headache is reaching epic proportions! She reassures me that “it is not me”(and of our nuptials won’t go away. This headache is reaching epic proportions! She reassures me that “it is not me”(and of our nuptials won’t go away. This headache is reaching epic proportions! She reassures me that “it is not me”(and of

course it cannot be… I am King after all). Perhaps she is still concourse it cannot be… I am King after all). Perhaps she is still concourse it cannot be… I am King after all). Perhaps she is still concourse it cannot be… I am King after all). Perhaps she is still concerned about Alaric? He is still out there. Perhaps it cerned about Alaric? He is still out there. Perhaps it cerned about Alaric? He is still out there. Perhaps it cerned about Alaric? He is still out there. Perhaps it

is the manner in which we were Crowned by a Druid of old? We surely did not follow the customs of Rome in this is the manner in which we were Crowned by a Druid of old? We surely did not follow the customs of Rome in this is the manner in which we were Crowned by a Druid of old? We surely did not follow the customs of Rome in this is the manner in which we were Crowned by a Druid of old? We surely did not follow the customs of Rome in this

regard. Although I am hesitant to abandon the ways of Rome, my Irish heritage has much aregard. Although I am hesitant to abandon the ways of Rome, my Irish heritage has much aregard. Although I am hesitant to abandon the ways of Rome, my Irish heritage has much aregard. Although I am hesitant to abandon the ways of Rome, my Irish heritage has much appeal. Should I look to reppeal. Should I look to reppeal. Should I look to reppeal. Should I look to re----

embrace Danu, the “Triple” Goddess, and build a temple to her? For now my Queen remains the Maiden, yet I hope embrace Danu, the “Triple” Goddess, and build a temple to her? For now my Queen remains the Maiden, yet I hope embrace Danu, the “Triple” Goddess, and build a temple to her? For now my Queen remains the Maiden, yet I hope embrace Danu, the “Triple” Goddess, and build a temple to her? For now my Queen remains the Maiden, yet I hope

she considers the Mother before becoming the Crone.she considers the Mother before becoming the Crone.she considers the Mother before becoming the Crone.she considers the Mother before becoming the Crone.

I am frustrated and I am anxious for an Heir. The People cry outI am frustrated and I am anxious for an Heir. The People cry outI am frustrated and I am anxious for an Heir. The People cry outI am frustrated and I am anxious for an Heir. The People cry out for an Heir! for an Heir! for an Heir! for an Heir!

You are learned in the customs of various cultures… and in the ways of women as can be seen in your taming You are learned in the customs of various cultures… and in the ways of women as can be seen in your taming You are learned in the customs of various cultures… and in the ways of women as can be seen in your taming You are learned in the customs of various cultures… and in the ways of women as can be seen in your taming

of Viscountess Alethea. Your advice is most welcome.of Viscountess Alethea. Your advice is most welcome.of Viscountess Alethea. Your advice is most welcome.of Viscountess Alethea. Your advice is most welcome.

amicitia, amicitia, amicitia, amicitia,

----kurnkurnkurnkurn

_________________________________________________________

Dearest Giuliana,

It grieves my heart that you have been sick abed and

unable to walk after your fall. Heal quickly, I need

you.

So much happened when I went with Caesar's court to

War. Caesar was charming, the Empress like a mother to

me. The Prince Kurn did impress me. When he fights, my

eye went straight to him. Truly he was a great warrior.

But just as the blackguard promised, that villain,

General Alaric was there. I rarely escaped his offers of

marriage and threats if I did not. Once in battle he

faced me, tall and heavily armed, he had the advantage

of me. He slashed my sleeve and disappeared, it could

have been much worse. Trying to keep all

this out of the view of Caesar and or the Prince kept me

terrified.

Thursday before court, Alaric was most insistent and

I admit my heart was torn. In the end I told him I was

done with him and his manner frightened me. I felt safer

with Krotuas and Brenna. I did not suspect that Kurn,

who was so forthright in his manner was capable of such

a devious plot. I was MARRIED there in front of all the

court stripped to my chemise and encouraged by two

archers with strung bows to sign the contract.

I had a headache that night.

Secretly, I do admire Kurn greatly, but he is

already talking of Heirs.

But I have not told you the worst calamity. Ceasar

and the kind Empress are dead and gone. This left Kurn

and I in charge of an Empire that was falling to pieces.

We felt wrong grasping at illusory power and decided to

better the lot of the people. We are not Caesar and

Empress but King and Queen with less land but hope for

greater happiness.

I shall toss a gold statue into the river for

Goddess Brenna to make you walk again.

Eridani

Regina Trimaris

Trimarians! Let it be known that I, Alaric, King of the Visigoths, do hereby pledge to pay an amount in

silver, in weight equal to Her Majesty Eridani of the territory of Rome known as Trimaris, to any

who will wrest her from the oppressive grip of the upstart "King" known as Kurn. She must be

brought unto me unharmed. A slow, agonizing, torturous death is promised unto the one who

brings her to me otherwise. Know ye all who read these words, my patience is not limitless. Make

swift purpose unto this task lest my hands be compelled to take her by force.

Test ye not my willingness to endure delay!

Alaric

King of the Visigoths

(secret correspondence) My Comrade,My Comrade,My Comrade,My Comrade,

Troubled times bring us to this point. I know the course set before you causes pain, yet we both know Troubled times bring us to this point. I know the course set before you causes pain, yet we both know Troubled times bring us to this point. I know the course set before you causes pain, yet we both know Troubled times bring us to this point. I know the course set before you causes pain, yet we both know

Trimaris should never have seceded from the Roman EmTrimaris should never have seceded from the Roman EmTrimaris should never have seceded from the Roman EmTrimaris should never have seceded from the Roman Empire, an Empire I shall soon rule. You are not alone. Many pire, an Empire I shall soon rule. You are not alone. Many pire, an Empire I shall soon rule. You are not alone. Many pire, an Empire I shall soon rule. You are not alone. Many

agree that a Kingdom such as Trimaris should never view itself as a sovereign nation. Better that it returns to its agree that a Kingdom such as Trimaris should never view itself as a sovereign nation. Better that it returns to its agree that a Kingdom such as Trimaris should never view itself as a sovereign nation. Better that it returns to its agree that a Kingdom such as Trimaris should never view itself as a sovereign nation. Better that it returns to its

subservient role and continues to pay the tribute I require to prevent more Trisubservient role and continues to pay the tribute I require to prevent more Trisubservient role and continues to pay the tribute I require to prevent more Trisubservient role and continues to pay the tribute I require to prevent more Trimarian bloodshed. After so much death marian bloodshed. After so much death marian bloodshed. After so much death marian bloodshed. After so much death

from the recent war, you do the right thing. One day you will be seen as a patriot rather than a conspirator. The clues from the recent war, you do the right thing. One day you will be seen as a patriot rather than a conspirator. The clues from the recent war, you do the right thing. One day you will be seen as a patriot rather than a conspirator. The clues from the recent war, you do the right thing. One day you will be seen as a patriot rather than a conspirator. The clues

left after Eridani’s abduction will lead to the Companions of the Trimarian Guard. The Peers of left after Eridani’s abduction will lead to the Companions of the Trimarian Guard. The Peers of left after Eridani’s abduction will lead to the Companions of the Trimarian Guard. The Peers of left after Eridani’s abduction will lead to the Companions of the Trimarian Guard. The Peers of the Realm will not the Realm will not the Realm will not the Realm will not

stand for this and will turn upon the Seargents based on false evidence. This will allow us to remove Kurn and stand for this and will turn upon the Seargents based on false evidence. This will allow us to remove Kurn and stand for this and will turn upon the Seargents based on false evidence. This will allow us to remove Kurn and stand for this and will turn upon the Seargents based on false evidence. This will allow us to remove Kurn and

establish the peace we desire. Once Eridani is brought to me, her marriage will be absolved and we shall be wed. establish the peace we desire. Once Eridani is brought to me, her marriage will be absolved and we shall be wed. establish the peace we desire. Once Eridani is brought to me, her marriage will be absolved and we shall be wed. establish the peace we desire. Once Eridani is brought to me, her marriage will be absolved and we shall be wed.

With her trWith her trWith her trWith her troops under my command, Trimaris will have no alternative but to accept my terms.oops under my command, Trimaris will have no alternative but to accept my terms.oops under my command, Trimaris will have no alternative but to accept my terms.oops under my command, Trimaris will have no alternative but to accept my terms.

Do this my friend and you will save lives. Do this and know my favor. Do this my friend and you will save lives. Do this and know my favor. Do this my friend and you will save lives. Do this and know my favor. Do this my friend and you will save lives. Do this and know my favor.

----AlaricAlaricAlaricAlaric

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Kurn,Kurn,Kurn,Kurn,

“I have her.

“Your Kingdom is doomed. You should never have tried to thwart me. Trimaris will die with you

Kurn. There will be none to take your crown. When you throw your Games in May, I and my new bride will

be in the East, where she will be covered in pearls and gold. I gather my Goths for this summer.”

----AlaricAlaricAlaricAlaric

---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----

IX Maivs CDVII, Londinium, Britannia, Trimaris.

From King Kurn unto the Populace of Trimaris.

Fellow Trimarians,

As many of you know the Queen was abducted during

Oldenfeld’s recent Baronial Investiture. I have been so depressed, and my advisors recommend I inform the

Kingdom of this tragedy.

Despite our rough beginning, Eridani has become

important to me. It was the Queen that inspired me to

dance for the first time. She has done all that a Queen

should and fulfilled all aspects of Our Wedding

Contract. I can say that the concubines selected have

been OUTSTANDING!

I have much cause to consider my relationship with

the Queen. She spoke to me of various things, personal

and otherwise and I always put them off as the trivial

worries of a lady. Eridani tried to speak to me of

Alaric. I wonder if she did have feelings for him. I

should have listened. I can list my responsibilities as

Crown as my excuse, yet it does not ease the guilt I

feel for not giving the attention she deserved. I miss

my Queen. I am worried about her and Our unborn Heir.

It is rare that a King shares His inner feelings,

yet my advisors in this matter; Master Talieasynn, Sir

Turold, and Sir Forgal, feel it will help to clear my

head so I may set a course of action.

The Triskele Team Six has been dispatched to bring

Our Queen home, but for now I am angry and heartbroken.

I am never going to dance again. Guilty feet have got no

rhythm. Though it's easy to pretend, Trimaris is no

fool. No, I will never dance again until I dance with

the Queen.

-kurn

Rex Trimaris

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- - - - - - - -

A.D. IDES MAIVS., CDVII, Londinium, Britannia, Trimaris

From Kurn O’Farrell, King of Trimaris, to the People of

Trimaris.

As many of you know Our beloved Queen was abducted

during Oldenfeld’s Baronial Investiture. Although Alaric did try to frame the Order of the Guard, Trimaris

and the Lions of Oldenfeld, the new Baron and Baroness,

Miklos and Marie, were able to provide evidence that

these loyal Trimarians were innocent.

Unknown to Alaric is that fact that the Queen is

with child. Our Heir must be born on Trimarian soil.

With this in mind, We immediately dispatched a team

of Our best on a covert mission to rescue Her Majesty

and Our future Heir. This Triskele Team consists of Sir

Killian, The Champion of Trimaris; Earl Lorcan, the

Spearman of Trimaris; Don Aedan o'Diomasagh, The

Defender of the Queen’s Heart; Honorable Lady Ambra, The

Troubadore Laureate; Honorable Lady Kateryna, The King’s Huntsman; and Our Scribal Champion, Mistress Finneadan.

This elite team of Six shall not fail Us.

I ask Trimaris,

“DO you love your Queen?!”

“WILL you let this crime and insult go unpunished?!” We know you are weary from the Battles across the

Gulf. We know you had hoped to live in peace. Yet We

know your answers for you are Trimarians! They say “Fate

is Cruel”. I tell you that it is Alaric that is cruel and We shall show the Knowne World that no one puts

Trimaris in a corner. The Triskele Team shall bring Our

Queen Home and then�THEN We shall destroy Alaric’s Rome. Rome shall be no more. Trimaris shall remain.

Make ready for We mean to meet this evil on the

Fields of Pennsic in August. The drums will roar like

Thunder when Trimaris goes to War!

Ex subter mort,

-kurn

Rex Trimaris ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----

A Letter delivered to King Kurn on the morning of the RoA Letter delivered to King Kurn on the morning of the RoA Letter delivered to King Kurn on the morning of the RoA Letter delivered to King Kurn on the morning of the Royal Gladiatorial Arena at TMT MMXIIIyal Gladiatorial Arena at TMT MMXIIIyal Gladiatorial Arena at TMT MMXIIIyal Gladiatorial Arena at TMT MMXIII. (t. (t. (t. (translated from ranslated from ranslated from ranslated from

an Ancient form of runes known to Kurn, Gerwulfe, and an Ancient form of runes known to Kurn, Gerwulfe, and an Ancient form of runes known to Kurn, Gerwulfe, and an Ancient form of runes known to Kurn, Gerwulfe, and only only only only a few othersa few othersa few othersa few others))))

Your Majesty,

The news of our Queens disappearance has greatly troubled me. I have not been absent from your Court

without cause. What you and the Queen did for me at Coronation compelled me to start my own quest to save the

Queen. I have been searching for her day and night, but alas I have not been able to locate her. It seems that every

time I get word about a possible location for her, I arrive and she has already been moved. I fear there may be

someone in the kingdom assisting our enemy. I write this letter to you in the language of our forefathers because I

know you will be one of the few who can read it and you will know it is from your loyal guard. Your Heir should be

born on Trimarian soil and I will do everything within my power to see it done.

I have enclosed another letter that appears to have been left by the Queen. I hope you have gotten the ones I

located earlier and forwarded to you.

During my Quest, I feel the Gods have placed a geis upon me. They have demanded I complete a task. I hope

to be able to explain it to you when and if I return. I fear the kingdom may suffer if I do not heed these demands. I

hope to be able to continue searching for the Queen while I perform this task. If I do not return, please know that I

am now and will always be loyal to you and the kingdom no matter what others may say.

May you reign well in the time ahead.

Your faithful and loyal man,

--- --- --- ---- --- (copy of a letter delivered with Lord Gerwulfe’s letter. (copy of a letter delivered with Lord Gerwulfe’s letter. (copy of a letter delivered with Lord Gerwulfe’s letter. (copy of a letter delivered with Lord Gerwulfe’s letter. No Trimarian believed this was written by theEridani and the No Trimarian believed this was written by theEridani and the No Trimarian believed this was written by theEridani and the No Trimarian believed this was written by theEridani and the

QueenQueenQueenQueen’s return’s return’s return’s return has verified this was written by Alaric) has verified this was written by Alaric) has verified this was written by Alaric) has verified this was written by Alaric)

My Husband Kurn,

I wish you to know that I am being treated well and I am in good health, however my concern for Our unborn

heir gives me reasons to reconsider Our decision to become a sovereign Nation. Alaric’s Armies are vast. His cities

are prosperous despite what may are saying. If You were to pay tribute to Alaric, Our Child could one day be

Emperor.

Alaric does not ask for much. We will still rule in Trimaris. We should join Alaric and live in peace.

-eridani

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A.D. III IDES IVNIVS., CDVII, Loupian, Gallia

Narbonensis, Trimaris.

From Kurn O’Farrell, King of Trimaris, to Queen Eridani.

I am sorry that Lord Gerwulfe was the one to

inform You that I had left to prepare for war. It

was not My intention to surprise You with My

absence in Court, but after determining Our

Successors, Prince Yoan Moon Yang and Princess

Bres O'Seachnasaigh, I felt it prudent. I realize

this was upsetting, however I remind You that

there may be a traitor in Our Court and felt it

the best course of action to leave without

anyone’s knowledge. To put Your mind at ease, I

did bring along “several” trusted comrades and soldiers. With Sir Solomon Spite as Our new

Magistratus Militum, I am confident that all will

be in order when You lead the Host of Trimaris

into Gaul bearing the recently returned

Triquilla.

Please congratulate Our Successors once again

for me.

I await Your arrival so that alaric and any

that stand with him may receive Trimarian

Justice!

Ex subter mort,

-kurn

Rex Trimaris

---- ---- ---- ---- (private note) (private note) (private note) (private note) ---- ---- ---- ----

Eridani,Eridani,Eridani,Eridani,

I cannot express my relief that you have been returned to us. My heart wants to beI cannot express my relief that you have been returned to us. My heart wants to beI cannot express my relief that you have been returned to us. My heart wants to beI cannot express my relief that you have been returned to us. My heart wants to be with you with you with you with you in in in in

Trimaris, but my mind must consider the Kingdom. Trimaris, but my mind must consider the Kingdom. Trimaris, but my mind must consider the Kingdom. Trimaris, but my mind must consider the Kingdom. It was less than a year ago thIt was less than a year ago thIt was less than a year ago thIt was less than a year ago that Caesar tasked me at Caesar tasked me at Caesar tasked me at Caesar tasked me

with preparations for the War in the Gulf and though I find no comfort in this constant state of war, I with preparations for the War in the Gulf and though I find no comfort in this constant state of war, I with preparations for the War in the Gulf and though I find no comfort in this constant state of war, I with preparations for the War in the Gulf and though I find no comfort in this constant state of war, I

will not endanger Trimaris’ sovereignty. will not endanger Trimaris’ sovereignty. will not endanger Trimaris’ sovereignty. will not endanger Trimaris’ sovereignty.

We are outnumbered. Not long after landing in your own We are outnumbered. Not long after landing in your own We are outnumbered. Not long after landing in your own We are outnumbered. Not long after landing in your own Gallia Narbonensis, we were attackGallia Narbonensis, we were attackGallia Narbonensis, we were attackGallia Narbonensis, we were attacked.ed.ed.ed.

Despite my attempts at secrecy, they knew we were coming.Despite my attempts at secrecy, they knew we were coming.Despite my attempts at secrecy, they knew we were coming.Despite my attempts at secrecy, they knew we were coming. Santiago was gravely injured and would Santiago was gravely injured and would Santiago was gravely injured and would Santiago was gravely injured and would

now be dead were it not for the two Graybeards, Ronan Blackmoor and Hrothgar feilannow be dead were it not for the two Graybeards, Ronan Blackmoor and Hrothgar feilannow be dead were it not for the two Graybeards, Ronan Blackmoor and Hrothgar feilannow be dead were it not for the two Graybeards, Ronan Blackmoor and Hrothgar feilan, who dragged , who dragged , who dragged , who dragged

him to safety him to safety him to safety him to safety . I hope he will be fit when you arrive. I hope he will be fit when you arrive. I hope he will be fit when you arrive. I hope he will be fit when you arrive fo fo fo for we will need every Trimarian swordr we will need every Trimarian swordr we will need every Trimarian swordr we will need every Trimarian sword. We are in . We are in . We are in . We are in

danger of losing your port at Loupiandanger of losing your port at Loupiandanger of losing your port at Loupiandanger of losing your port at Loupian near Pennsic near Pennsic near Pennsic near Pennsic. Please do not delay.. Please do not delay.. Please do not delay.. Please do not delay.

If able please bring the Concubines… this has been stressful.If able please bring the Concubines… this has been stressful.If able please bring the Concubines… this has been stressful.If able please bring the Concubines… this has been stressful.

----kurnkurnkurnkurn

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