#|| Gaoler’s hall ┇ gallery ||

[scotianostra]

On 28th July 1746 the trial of the Scottish peers the Earl of Kilmarnock, the Earl of Cromertie and Lord Balmerino began and ended.

Kilmarnock and Cromartie both plead guilty to the charge, Bamerino, not guilty, a short trial commenced at Westminster Hall where Lord Balmerino stated he was not in Carlisle on the date the indictment stated.

The events of the day were recorded in The Newgate Calendar, which was a monthly bulletin of executions, produced by the Keeper of Newgate Prison in London.

"THESE, noblemen possessed great influence, and were much respected, previous to, the unhappy rebellion in 1745. Having already given a correct, though abridged account, of the transactions in which they took conspicuous part; we proceed, without farther comment, to their trials, defence, speeches, and execution. The text is as it was printed in the bulletins.

On Monday, the 28th of July, 1746, about eight o clock in the morning, the three rebel lords, prisoners in the Tower, were carried from thence in three coaches, the Earl of Kilmarnock, with Governor Williamson, and another gentleman, captain of the guard, in the first, the Earl of Cromartie; attended by Captain Marshall, in the second: and Lord Balmerino, attended by Mr. Fowler, gentleman gaoler, who had the axe covered by him, in the third, under a strong guard of foot-soldiers to Westminster Hall, where the Lord High Steward and the peers having taken their seats, proclamation was made for the Lieutenant of the Tower of London to return the precept to him directed, with the bodies of the prisoners: which done, the Gentleman Gaoler of the Tower brought his prisoners to the bar; and the proclamation was made for the King's evidence to come forth, the King's counsel, by his Grace's direction, opened the indictment, then his Grace moved the house that he might advance forwards for the better hearing of the evidence, (which being done, William Earl of Kilmarnock was brought to the bar) and his bill of indictment for high treason read, to which his lordship, pleaded Guilty, and desired to be recommended to his Majesty for mercy. Then George Earl of Cromartie was brought to the bar, &c, who also pleaded Guilty and prayed for mercy, After which Arthur Lord Balmerino was brought to the bar, &c. who pleaded Not Guilty, alleging that he was not at Carlisle at the time specified in the indictment, whereupon six witnesses for the crown were called in and examined, whose evidence was distinctly repeated by the reading-clerk, proving that his Lordship entered Carlisle (though not the same day) sword in hand, at the head of a regiment called by his name, Elphinston's horse. To this he made an exception, which was overruled. The Lord High Steward then asked him if he had any witness, or any thing further to offer in his defence. To which he replied, he was sorry he had given their lordships so much trouble, and had nothing more to say. Hereupon their lordships retired out of Westminster Hall to the House of Peers, where the opinion of the judges was asked, touching the overt act, which they declaring to be not material, as other facts were proved beyond contradiction, their lordships returned, and his Grace putting the question to the youngest baron, "Whether Arthur Lord Balmerino was guilty or not guilty, &c." he clapt his right hand to his left breast, and said, "Guilty, upon my honour, my Lord," as did all the rest of the peers. And the prisoners being again called to the bar, the Lord High Steward declared their resolutions: and they were ordered to be brought up on the 30th. at 11 o'clock in the morning to receive sentence.

Written notice was given them to bring what they might have to offer in arrest of judgment.-- There were 136 peers present."

It states there were 136 peers present, I am sure this would have been in the public gallery and that there was much interest in the trial as tickets were printed giving admission to the trials on the day .

The three were sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered. The sentence was changed to beheading because of their noble rank. The Earl of Cromarty was pardoned after his wife petitioned King George.

The Earl of Kilmarnock and Lord Balmerino were beheaded on Tower Hill on the 18th August 1746, I hope to pick up and post more details in August.

[philialdevotion]

There’s a candle tapering away the last of its life on the table. Phila watches the wax congeal in the crevices of an elaborately wrought iron sconce, and feels sick to her stomach. They need to leave. They need to leave, now.

But she doesn’t leave. Instead, she is takes the seat offered to her with a ‘Thank you’ so quiet it’s almost inaudible. It lulls her with its familiarity. Old memories of meetings with diplomats, of standing vigil behind her Grace’s chair, of staring down those men who wanted to eat her alive, and knowing that she could do nothing except whisper those words: thank you.

The table is enormous, large enough to house at least a hundred of them: a gallery of pale-faced cowards, bright innocents and monsters. No, monster was too fanciful. The man who guided to her seat, and pushed her chair in with the force of a gaoler, was not a monster. He was far worse.

A monster can be killed, after all.

Across from her sits the man the monastery sent. Does he know? They’re leagues apart, her at one end, he at the other, their host in the midst. If she attempts to make a communication that their esteemed Duke is unaware of… She can’t afford it, can’t risk an unapt word.

They had arrived that morning. Phila was far from gifted in magic, and the remnants of what this land called ‘Faith’ had long since been drained from her. What use could dead hands be, in tending to the living? She had been sent as a piece of flesh, to carry things, or sort the inventory. And she knew this. Was quite reconciled to it. But he, her companion. She could not allow harm to come to him. To sully the memory of her sister's sacrifice would not do. No more innocent blood, she had sworn it.

‘Shall we dine?’ The Duke asks.

And, without waiting for their comment, he seizes upon a knife and fork. He moves them with careful precision as if they didn't quite fit in his hands. There is silence, except for the sickening squelch of a knife cleaving meat.

He eats quite happily, for a man who just hours ago had transformed into something hideous.

Phila hadn’t meant to see him, she had just been inspecting the halls. The portraits fascinated her, and a selfish impulse had lead her in search of a music room. Most self-respecting nobles were in possession of one.

Instead she had found him, door ajar, writhing and screeching in pain and she had drawn closer, ready to do battle with whatever was making an attempt on his life, only to encounter… It was impossible to describe. She wasn’t a poet. Nightmares were supposed to be their realm.

He hadn’t seen her, and that was a small mercy. But now she had been brought to a more acute awareness of their entrapment. And she was, as ever, as always, utterly helpless.

Phila bends her head, she takes a bite of something warm.

@pheraed oh dear...

lord eliwood we need to get the FUCK out of here

a monstrous duke I no skill point

[intempercnt]

⠀

[dumbfrickinlit]

babbydunjun chapter 1 summary

Foreword: This is an exceptionally cut-and-dry summary, as any of my future summaries will also be. I have, as a courtesy, added bits of seemingly inconsequential information here and there to help provide context and narrative weight, but I should make it clear that the true purpose of this summary is to act as an ultimate archive of events. -- That is why there are blunt, humdrum descriptions such as the names of spells used, items picked up, and so on. Dialogue is left out entirely unless I deemed it necessary or appropriate to add in.

I apologize if this makes for a flavorless retelling of this campaign’s chapter, but I wrote this with the intention of being able to look back and quickly reference the order in which events unfolded, minor details, etc. This is very much written for myself and my group more than anyone else. That being said, the summary is also composed straightforwardly enough that anyone who has an interest in understanding the happenings of BabbyDunjun Chapter 1 will be able to do so.

That being said, let us begin.

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

Our story begins with the meeting of four intrepid adventurers at the Adventurer’s Guild in the city of Laus, in the country of Orllewin. There had been numerous fliers scattered around nearby cities advertising the local ruin, Gedrith Hold, had recently been opened, and likely contained copious amounts of treasure. This call brings forth Valdrin Calmyrak, a drow entertainer of debatable renown, Eurwen Honeyscroll, a half-elven wandering thief, Lucius Cameron, one of Laus’ own grizzled city guardsmen, and Takako Taiki, a half-oni with an aptitude for combat.

After forming their collective Eurwen, Cameron, and Takako depart for the Bacchant Bastard, one of Laus’ few inns, where they spend the evening socializing. Coincidentally, Valdrin was also to be found at the tavern, and he makes a rather lackluster performance on his trusty harp. After finishing, the drow is given a tip by a rather vacuous but friendly harpy by the name of Hiori. The tip itself is a platinum piece - a considerable amount - with which seems to aggravate the previous performer: a jester by the name of Tomas. As Valdrin rejoins the group and the night progresses, the jester disappears, and eventually the team all settle into their respective inn rooms for the night.

The next morning the group awake uneventfully, spare for the note scribbled “HACK” that Valdrin finds daggered to his door. The drow puts it in his pocket and rejoins the group, where-then they travel to Gedrith Hold.

The Hold itself is a sprawling maze strewn with corpses of previous adventurers who had attempted to plunder its depths. Takako, Cameron, Eurwen, and Valdrin all make their way into the Hold’s sparring room which sits at the very front of the ruins’ long opening hallway. There, they find a shield that can be turned to raise a narrow wall and reveal a locked wooden door, which is promptly broken open by the half-oni.

Beyond the door is the dungeons of Gedrith Hold, and the group is immediately met with the fearsome sight of a giant, undead gaoler. With little help from Valdrin, the adventurers manage to fell the beast in satisfactory time. After a short investigation of the prison, the wanderers find a blind woman who quickly reveals herself to be the lady of the hold.

The woman, Lady Igrene Gedrith, discusses a short few things with the group. She discloses that she had in-fact locked herself within the prison and that her husband was suffering an “illness” with which she hoped the adventurers (or others who entered the Hold) may alleviate. In addition to this, she offers her healing magic for if the group should later come into dire straights. After this discussion and some bonding between the borderline flirtatious (much to Eurwen and Cameron’s exasperation) Valdrin and the peculiar Lady Igrene, the group departs from the prison to explore the rest of the Hold.

From there they move to investigate a pitfall along the main hallway. Takako secures a rope and descends into the shaft with the rest quickly following behind. In the midst of the impenetrable darkness, Cameron is attacked. After a brief scuffle, lights are made to reveal two identical Camerons. The group then commences a comically-cliched interrogation of the clones in order to determine which is the real one. After one of the knights fails to recall the tip that Valdrin was given by Hiori, the group singles out the doppelgänger and defeats him, although this leaves Valdrin and Cameron gravely wounded. With a quick trip back to Lady Igrene the party is healed completely, and they continue on their expedition.

The adventurers travel along a path that leads them to a blood-stained door. With a swift use of Mage Hand, the door’s guillotine trap is activated without causing any harm. Thereafter, the group hears the faint whispers of a disappointed woman.

Beyond the guillotine door is a large storage room, already pillaged save for three chests that sit against its far wall. In them, the group finds a set of jester’s clothes, a bloodied katana hidden beneath a pile of severed heads, and an ivory plaque engraved with a sword-and-aquila emblem that rests upon a pillow. The group collects everything and makes its way to a large gallery.

Within the gallery are numerous, beautifully aged paintings of various people, including which is Lady Igrene. With little else to discover, the group breaks down yet another door and finds themselves in the Hold’s shrine room.

As the adventurers take in the sights and smells of the lavish shrine, they notice a small book sitting near the altar. Nosy, Valdrin retrieves it. As he begins to leaf through its pages a key falls out from between them, which the drow secures in his pocket.

Valdrin returns to reading the book, only to discover it is a diary written by who appears to be Lady Igrene. The diary details the growing relationship between its owner and Dulam Gedrith, the Lord of the Hold. More grimly does it also detail the owner’s gratification in carrying out the prison’s executions. On the very last of the pages is the entry “It looks like I won’t be needing this anymore,” with the outline of the dark onyx key that fell from the journal's pages. Valdrin shares all of this information with the rest of the group, much to everyone’s dismay. They decide to carry on exploring the rest of the ruins before returning to Igrene to confront her.

Traveling down yet another hall, a body of a mauled woman rests not far from a scavenger who lays dying. He warns the group of a gathering of undead in the room at the other end of the hall. Aware that the man will die without further aid, the group carries him reluctantly back to Lady Igrene, who heals him. The man thanks the adventurers before heading out of the Hold.

Just as the wanderers are about to leave Lady Igrene once again, Valdrin notices an abnormality: as he bows his head silently to her, the blind woman in return bows back. The drow begins to dismiss this when the Lady asks for the key to the prison - something she absolutely should not know that he possesses. Immensely suspicious, Valdrin lies to her, claiming he has no idea what she is talking about. The woman does not prod any further and the group leaves the prison once again, troubled by this odd series of events.

The adventurers return to the hallway where they discovered the battered scavenger. Continuing further down, they once again hear the echoes of a woman - this time laughing - as they approach the door at the end of the hall. Behind the door, the group is greeted by a large band of undead skeletons.

After a long and arduous battle, the adventurers come out victorious. What remains afterward is one skeleton, Clab, who was charmed by Valdrin during the middle of the fight. The drow determined that the skeleton is sentient in some capacity and proceeds to drill him with questions using telepathy. From this he is able to reveal a few things: 1) Clab had also previously seen a jester within the Hold, carrying something rather large, 2) there was a betrayal of some sort involving Lady Igrene and the Hold, and 3) Clab and his fallen comrades are being held by a curse put on by “the Lady of the Hold.” Following this discussion, Clab leaves to join Lady Igrene, telling Valdrin that she may be able to help.

The group, wounded by the fight, settles down to rest, and Valdrin explains everything for the others. Going back to the diary, the drow further discovers that its owner managed to charm Dulam away from his lover at the time. The group at this point determines that Lady Igrene is absolutely not to be trusted. After a short discussion on the jester’s possible presence, the adventurers get ready to carry on with their journey.

A large banquet hall is where the group next finds themselves wandering into. There they find the company of Sir Maxime, a butler, who is also able to corroborate that a jester has indeed been slipping around the Hold. From there he points the group in two directions: the throne room to the north and the ballroom to the south. Just before the team heads in any particular direction, Sir Maxime discloses that the Lady of the Hold is also in the throne room, along with Dulam. Worried, Valdrin then asks how long ago Lady Igrene went to join him; to which Sir Maxime gives a confused non-answer before dissipating. This causes a realization to strike Valdrin: Lady Igrene may no longer actually be the recognized Lady of Gredrith Hold, and instead may have had her throne usurped or taken by an imposter. After discussing this with the others, however, the drow realizes that there is still a possibility of Lady Igrene being the owner of the diary. Addled and anxious, the adventurers give in to Valdrin’s requests to return to the prison once again in the hopes of confronting Lady Igrene… Should she still be there.

And indeed, the woman still is. Valdrin shows her the diary, to which Lady Igrene reacts with latent despondency. After an emotional conversation, the drow finally gives the dungeon key to Lady Igrene, believing that he can trust her - and that she is, in fact, the victim in all of this. The woman responds gives her heartfelt gratitude, giving the drow a blessing and shedding a few stray tears. Valdrin offers for her to join them on their journey to the throne room, but learns she is tethered to the confines of the dungeons until her husband is freed. With everything settled, the group leaves once more, the drow promising Lady Igrene he will meet her again.

Deciding to save the throne room for last, the adventurers make their way to the ballroom. Upon opening the doors, they find the room to be pitch black. — That is, until the room illuminates itself to reveal a giant beholder staring them down. Valdrin can do little more than wet himself before the monster fires a death ray into his chest.

Before the drow can be vaporized into oblivion however, the beholder disappears, proving to be a mere illusion. The adventurers hear echoes of the seemingly omnipresent woman again - cackling this time.

The moment passes and the group continues onwards into the barracks of Gedrith Hold. There they find three men who immediately appear defensive. Tensions rise as Takako intimidates the group and Valdrin takes it upon himself to try and charm the group in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. The drow manages to charm two of the men, Raleigh and Murdock, which alarms their commander, Roartz. As Roartz begins to become hostile, Valdrin makes the split-second decision to attempt to charm Roartz once again, which aggravates him further. He shoots Valdrin in the chest with a firearm, causing Takako and Eurwen to retaliate. Far from a fair match, Roartz is killed almost instantly. Immediately following this, Valdrin is overwhelmed by a vision of dark eyes piercing into his mind, and a feeling of immense disappointment - Lady Igrene’s disappointment, he realizes - washes over him. Distressed and listless, Valdrin orders the still-charmed Raleigh and Murdock to leave the Hold, not wishing for them to be present when the spell wears off.

The group spends the night within the barracks. When Valdrin awakes from a restless trance, he finds he still cannot shake his despondency. Forced to carry on, the adventurers travel through the ruins’ supply room.

In the supply room is a large amount of barrels filled with alcohol - one of them labeled with the sign “Has a bit of a kick.” Feeling adventurous, the team’s alcoholic, Eurwen, goes to fill her flask with the drink. Upon flipping the nozzle, the barrel immediately explodes on her and Takako. Both gravely wounded but still alive, the two manage to be revived by Valdrin and Cameron. After some groaning and complaining on the half-elf’s end, they pick themselves up and continue their ransacking. One item that Valdrin discovers is a translucent jade bottle labeled “Poison.” The rest of the group pockets their own found items and with the supply room spent, they move to the next area.

Upon opening the large, wooden double-doors, the adventurers are met with a spacious library, filled to the brim with various tomes. Any promise of a peaceful moment is dashed by the dark figure that stands atop a statue at the center of the room.

The figure quickly reveals himself to be Jester Tomas, the very same performer from the Bacchant Bastard only a couple nights before. He indeed carries a large something - a sack almost as large as his body - as the others had foretold. Straight to the point, Jester Tomas gives an extensive and maniacal monologue explaining his historied distaste for Valdrin and his infuriation at the substantial and undeserved tip he received from Hiori. Jester Tomas then reveals a massive lance, and an intense battle begins.

Vowing to redeem himself in Lady Igrene’s eyes for the tragedy in the barracks, Valdrin makes several attempts to persuade Jester Tomas to end the fight - all of which fail. After a near-fatal blow to the drow’s chest, he realizes that the man cannot be persuaded, and Valdrin joins his friends in an attempt to render the jester unconscious. As the tides of battle begin to turn in the enemy’s favor, an enigmatic woman joins the fight, helping the adventurers to defeat Jester Tomas who falls incapacitated, but alive.

Valdrin, still determined to end the battle without any casualties, restrains Jester Tomas until he is certain that the man will cause no further harm to himself or others. As soon as the drow releases him however, Jester Tomas pulls a knife on himself, threatening to end his life if Valdrin doesn’t play a song that “drives him to tears.” Having no other choice, Valdrin takes out his harp and gives the best performance his nerves can muster. Upon completion, Jester Tomas mutters, “Beautiful. Absolutely,” and falls back, collapsing onto the floor with a beaming yet tearful smile on his face. Valdrin scrambles to him and discovers a small, incision on his wrist where toxin has been self-inflicted. Unable to reverse the damage, Valdrin can only watch as Jester Tomas’ breathing slows until it eventually stops. Completely devastated, the drow can only manage to sob for several minutes afterward.

As the dust begins to finally settle, the mysterious woman who had intervened mid-fight steps back in to clear the air. She explains that the jester, Tomas Eldrydyn, had lived a double-life as a prolific killer within the Orllewin Assassin’s Conclave, but had disappeared from the role a number of months ago - the reason for which was rumored to be a mental breakdown. Beyond that, however, the woman offers little more explanation.

Valdrin, realizing that there is nothing more that can be done, picks himself and rejoins his comrades in exploring the library. There they find a collection of interesting books and rare items. Minor shenanigans ensue, most notably including when Valdrin, attempting to make an emotional rebound, makes a disastrous and rather embarrassing effort at wooing Cameron. Needless to say it spectacularly backfires, and the group returns to its investigation of the library. Eurwen discovers a number of knowledgable tomes, including a demon bestiary with a page curiously ripped out. Valdrin coincidentally finds a note that reveals his bottle of “poison” to be a temporary invulnerability potion.

Meanwhile the unknown woman, after performing her own comb-over of the area, is about to leave when she mentions the book she’s taking is of the Gedrith family history. Valdrin stops her and begs to see it, to which she reluctantly obliges. From the tome, the group learns that Lady Igrene was indeed replaced by another woman - though by who is indiscernible. Valdrin returns the book to the woman, who then parts ways with the group - but not before revealing her surname: Damlas. With that, she then disappears into the depths of Gedrith Hold.

Deciding it’s time to move on, the group makes way for the far side of the library where a locked door is found. Eurwen opens it without a hint of trouble and parts the large doors to reveal a vast treasure room. Here, they find a spread of valuables including a beautiful saber, a gruesome greataxe, a pike with a forked tip, and a majestic greatsword with a snaking blade. In the corner they find a large sack overflowing with coin and precious jewelry. As Eurwen opens one of the large chests however, it reveals itself to be a mimic and attacks her. A fight breaks out and the monster is quickly defeated. Upon opening the remaining chests, Eurwen discovers an onyx plaque, similar to the ivory one she found earlier in the storage room. Takako, entranced by the unique appearance of the greataxe, claims it for her own.

With the treasure room exhausted, the adventurers make their way back to the banquet hall, where Sir Maxime is once again present. He informs the group that Lady Igrene is in the audience hall just ahead. Not sparing any time, Valdrin dashes forward, the rest of the group rushing behind after him.

Passing quickly through a command room, the drow and company reaches the audience hall, where Lady Igrene can be seen amidst a pile of bodies, her robes stained with blood. Bewildered and overwrought, Valdrin unsheathes his rapier and demands that she show him the item he “gave her earlier” to prove her identity. Lady Igrene pulls out the very same key Valdrin gave her, which only causes further confusion. The Lady then explains that the bodies are a result of both failed attempts to gain entry into the throne room and from acts of “dissent.” She points the group to the other end of the hall where a set of doors lie - one obsidian, the other alabaster white. Finally making the connection, Eurwen realizes that the plaques are the keys to the final area. She sets them inside the recesses of the doors and its mechanism unlocks. Knowing what will come, Lady Igrene casts yet another healing wave over the group and sits down to rest. With a final plea, she begs the group to free Dulam once and for all.

Resolute, the adventurers open the doors to the Hold’s final area.

On the far side of the throne room is a small mob of undead soldiers, two more fearsome guards, a shambling knight, and a woman who sits on the throne beside him, impeccably beautiful but unbecomingly dressed. She cackles with derision as she taunts the group. When the adventurer’s fail to believe the woman’s lies, she resolves to flinging her small army of undead onto them.

Valdrin, bolstered by a fervent wish for justice, fearlessly downs the bottle of “poison” to start off the battle. With his new invulnerability, he makes a beeline for the throne, blasting out various shockwaves along the way. His in the meantime his comrades are forced to tackle the undead mobs head-to-head.

As the drow nearing ever closer to his target, the woman sends forth her guards in defense. Realizing Valdrin is invincible, one of them opts to grapple him, which is successful. With the rest of the party still held up by the horde, Valdrin is helpless as he is dragged forcefully towards the throne. When they reach the steps, however, the drow is able to pull off one final thunderwave which frees him from his restrainer.

In the meantime, the rest of the group manages to slay the undead army. No longer preoccupied, they join Valdrin in his fight against the two elite guards. Unfortunately, just as soon as the drow is freed he is quickly grappled once again. With the help of Eurwen, Valdrin is released for a final time and the two guards are defeated.

With one last body to shield her, the woman, who calls herself Daemevera, sends her last guard forth: Dulam Gedrith, undead. As he steps forward, Daemevera shifts into her true form: a fearsome succubus.

Dulam moves to engage Cameron in a duel as Daemevera ascends. With a wave of her hand she charms the half-oni, Takako. In the midst of swords clashing and arrows flying, a familiar voice calls out.

“DULAM! COME BACK!” Lady Igrene cries from the entrance of the throne room. The succubus, amused by her vain efforts, taunts her before bearing down on her with vicious claws. Lady Igrene, virtually defenseless, falls to the ground, unconscious and bleeding out. Upon seeing this Valdrin panics and howls at Dulam, berating him for his alliance with Daemevera and for his inability to see that Lady Igrene still loves him.

Finally coming to his senses, Dulam charges over and attacks the vile succubus. Following behind him is Valdrin, Cameron, and Eurwen, who manages to blind Takako while she is still charmed. Together, they inflict enough damage to cause Daemevera to retreat back into the air. Trying to regain control of the fight, she releases Takako from her charmed state and forces Dulam to bend to her will instead.

Under the influence of Daemevera, Dulam then strikes down upon Cameron and Eurwen while Valdrin makes his best effort to drag a resuscitated Igrene to safety. With the Lady as safe as she can be, Valdrin rushes back into the fight and manages to pierce the succubus with two thrown silver daggers. With a final shot from Eurwen, Daemevera plummets to the ground.

Alive but only barely, she commands Dulam to kill. Only able to obey, he strikes a furious blow to Cameron who falls unconscious. At the end of her rope, Daemevera makes one desperate, final move.

Rushing in, she grabs Valdrin and forces him in a single, devastating kiss. It drains at his very life force and threatens to take every last ounce of his soul. — But by the grace of some god or another - or just sheer luck or pure willpower - Valdrin Calmyrak survives and delivers the final, killing blow.

Daemevera collapses, and Dulam Gedrith falls to his knees, only managing to hold himself up by his shield.

Lady Igrene crawls to his side and murmurs something to him, and he pulls her into a long embrace. The two sit like that for a very long time.

“I. Am. Sorry.” Dulam manages to force out before he fades away, his body crumbling into dust.

Igrene holds his sword in her lap as Valdrin, fatigued but still standing, sits down next to her and comforts the woman. The deed finally done, Lady Igrene explains that she had kept Daemevera and her husband imprisoned within the throne room for over two millennia. Frustrated by years and years of torture, Lady Igrene treads over to the body of the succubus and proceeds to stab into her corpse again and again, cursing Daemevera’s name as she does. When the woman finally exhausts herself she pierces the demon’s head with the sword and falls to her knees, sobbing. After a long moment passes she manages to stand once again.

Lady Igrene, ready to leave the Hold once and for all, is stopped momentarily by Valdrin, who asks her to accompany them. The Lady accepts and he takes her hand in his as they make their way out of the harrowing ruins.

After the injured Eurwen is both dropped by a well-meaning Cameron and thrown into the ceiling by an overcompensating Takako, the group finally reaches the entrance of Gedrith Hold. The group basks in the morning sunlight for a brief period before gearing up and heading back to Laus.

In a day’s time, the adventurers return to Laus and opt to head straight back to the Bacchant Bastard, still plenty worn from their battle with Daemevera. Not daring to push themselves any further, they retire to their inn rooms for a night to recuperate.

The next morning arrives and Cameron, Takeo, and Valdrin regroup in the main hall of the inn. As they reflect on everything that happened, discussion comes up about Takako’s bizarre behavior during the fight with the succubus. Valdrin reminds her of a particular moment where she had hit Cameron - a moment long before she was charmed by Daemevera - but Takako cannot seem to remember doing so. The two men drop the topic when it fails to lead anywhere.

Lady Igrene then joins the rest as they discuss what next to do. The woman offhandedly mentions the sun, which reminds Valdrin to finally ask her if she can actually see, regardless of the fact that her “eyes” are merely empty sockets. Igrene then explains that she has the ability to see all things around her within half of a mile, which resolves many issues the drow was still confused on. Realizing the implications of this fact, however, Valdrin realizes that she witnessed a number of things, including the catastrophe that occurred in the barracks with Raleigh, Murdock, and Roartz. Ashamed, he finally apologizes to her properly for disappointing her. It is then that Igrene points Valdrin to a pair of hooded individuals sat near the entrance of the inn.

Realizing who it is, Valdrin begins to panic. After taking a moment to get some guidance and reassurance from Igrene, he realizes that the best thing he can do is apologize to the two as earnestly as he can. Swallowing hard, the drow gets up and makes his way to the pair’s table.

As Valdrin approaches, one of them kicks his chair out and swipes at the drow with a halberd - stopping only just before hitting his head. It then becomes obvious that it is indeed Raleigh and Murdock as they pull back their hoods. Tensions begin to rise as Takako, eager for a fight, begins to intervene in Valdrin’s attempts to make amends. After a difficult intervention from Cameron, Eurwen, and the inn’s own bouncer, Takako finally steps outside. As Valdrin turns back to face Raleigh and Murdock, Eurwen and Cameron make their way out of the bar to check on the half-oni.

A semblance of peace restored, Valdrin returns back to the matters at hand. He takes off his signet ring - his personal arcane focus - and sets it on the table near him before prostrating himself on the floor. The drow gives the most heartfelt apology that he can, which ultimately seems to satisfy the two men.

Raleigh and Murdock leave the Bacchant Bastard peacefully but only find further trouble outside. Takako, not ready to let insults go unpunished, taunts the two men, insulting their dead companion. Unable to accept this berating, a fight between Raleigh, Murdock, and Takako breaks out.

The oni cleaves into Raleigh with a mighty swing of her greataxe. The voice of a small elven girl seen flittering around the inn a handful of times cries out in alarm, and in the next instant, a black blur dives into the mix, slashing at Takako. As she regains her stance, the rest realize the blur is none other than Damlas, the woman from the library. She gives Takako one last chance to surrender, a chance she does not take.

Valdrin bursts from the inn and, as a last-ditch effort to stop the violence, attempts to charm Takako - an attempt that is successful. Suspecting a curse of some sort at work, Valdrin commands Takako to drop her greataxe, which she does reluctantly.

Guards arrive at the scene and get to work shackling Takako. A cleric and more guards arrive in order to deal with the assumedly-cursed axe, though they are not able to purify it then and there. As the restrained oni is being led off, she exits the axe’s field of influence, which causes her to go into a blind rage, breaking Valdrin’s charm. In a frenzy Takako tears herself from her shackles and vows revenge on the drow she now vehemently despises for his cowardliness.

Valdrin tries to put as much distance between the oni and himself as she comes barreling towards him, killing both the cleric and Raleigh in her wake. As a number of guards deal blow after blow to the Takako she staggers, finding Eurwen between herself and her target. Eurwen, not willing to let her reign of cruelty continue, strikes the final blow that renders Takako incapacitated. As the oni lays unconscious and bleeding the adventurers gather around her, wary of what to do next. When Murdock refuses to kill her, Valdrin is left unwilling to stand around idly as she lays dying and in a moment of mercy, or perhaps reserved anger, makes a decision. He unsheathes one of his daggers and slits Takako’s throat, ensuring her death.

Following the untimely passing of the oni, Valdrin and Eurwen see to it personally that the cursed greataxe is destroyed. Exercising every caution so that such a disaster will not happen again, they take the greataxe safely to Laus’ cathedral where it is purified, and then the local blacksmith where it is melted down beyond recognition. As the sun begins to set in Laus, the two return to the Bacchant Bastard to check on Lady Igrene and Cameron.

As they arrive they find Cameron finishing a round of questioning with another local guard who leaves, satisfied. They enter the Bacchant Bastard, opting to start a night of well-needed drinking, only to find Igrene missing. Valdrin panics, but Cameron convinces the drow to let him search for the Lady on his own while he and Eurwen relax.

The two discuss things over drinks, heavily at first but then lighter as the alcohol starts to set in. Soon enough Cameron returns, though Lady Igrene is not with him. He informs the two that he couldn’t find the woman, but had run into someone who had: Hiori. The harpy settles at the group’s table, much to the dismay of everyone. The bird girl recites a message from Lady Igrene, saying that she will be back tomorrow morning. Satisfied, the group decides to let Igrene be as she digests things on her own.

Not willing to let the night fade away, the group gets back to their drinking, though not before Hiori requests Valdrin to play his harp for the inn once again. Still traumatized from his encounter with Jester Tomas, the drow is reluctant to do so. With a bit of reassurance from his new friends, however, Valdrin is able to muster the courage to take up the stage again. What follows is a masterful performance which spurs tears in the eyes of some, and joy in others. As Valdrin finishes, the inn, which has now filled with even more people than when he started, erupts in applause.

The group converses late into the night and eventually turn in for bed.

The morning comes and the group finds Igrene, safe and sound in her inn bedroom. As Valdrin, Eurwen, and Igrene discuss things idly, Cameron heads to the Adventurer’s Guild on his own to warn other adventurers. A while later the three head there themselves in order to meet up with the knight one final time.

The four (and Hiori, who idly stood by) discuss their plans as it becomes time to part ways. Eurwen shrugs, having no real plan, and Cameron is not much different besides making sure his brother doesn’t “drink himself to death.” Valdrin explains that he’ll be traveling back to Cressela, his hometown not far from Laus. Upon mentioning it, the drow gets the idea to offer Lady Igrene to accompany him and settle there, to which she surprisingly agrees. With loose ends finally tied, the three adventurers part ways, vowing to visit each other in the future - and their journey, for now, comes to a close.

BABBYDUNJUN 1: END

[bookloversofbath]

Wolf Hall (Hilary Mantel) soon to be presented for sale on the astounding BookLovers of Bath web site!

Published: London: Fourth Estate, 2009, Hardback in dust wrapper.

Contains: Genealogical tables; Illustrated endpapers and blanks;

From the cover: Lock Cromwell in a deep dungeon in the morning, says Thomas More, and when you come back that night hell be sitting on a plush cushion eating larks tongues, and all the gaolers will owe him money.

England in the 15203 is a heartbeat from disaster. If the king dies without a male heir, the country could be destroyed by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage of twenty years, and marry Anne Boleyn. The pope and most of Europe oppose him. The quest for the petulant kings freedom destroys his adv…

Very Good in Very Good Dust Wrapper. Edges of the text block spotted. Leans very slightly.

Black boards with Gilt titling to the Spine. [XVII] 653 pages. 9½” x 6¼”.

Of course, if you don’t like this one, may I sweet-talk you into considering additional gorgeous books that are part of my Fiction Author: M catalogue?

#gallery-0-7 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-7 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-7 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-7 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

1117411

img00022 20100814 1746

war graves men

img00048 20100928 1257

img00049 20100928 1258

img00051 20100928 1541

hazlebrouk

1673191

170003

170016

e172964

image001

image0011

image0012

the bed that knew how to fly frances maitland nimmo frederick warne co

the bed that knew how to fly frances maitland nimmo frederick warne co b

the bed that knew how to fly frances maitland nimmo frederick warne co c

the bed that knew how to fly frances maitland nimmo frederick warne co d

the bed that knew how to fly frances maitland nimmo frederick warne co e

image1

image001

image0011

image0012

image0013

j howard jacobson jonathan cape 9780224101974

more than a game the story of crickets early years john major harperpress 9780007183647

quayside bristol the city and its port in recent years frank shipsides robert wall redcliffe press 1872971962

flora britannica the definitive new guide to wild flowers plants and trees richard mabey sinclair stevenson 18561937721

irek mukhamedov the authorised biography jeffery taylor fourth estate 185702074x

the opium eater selections from the autobiography thomas de quincey the cresset press

frank richards the chap behind the chums mary cadogan viking 0 670 81946 8

a midnight clear william wharton jonathan cape 0224020501

meriwether nevin tom doherty associates 0 312 86307 1

Champions in Conflict The Bath Rugby Revolution Dick Tugwell Robson Books 1 86105 213 8

for fuhrer and fatherland ss murder and mayhem in wartime britain roderick de normann sutton publishing 0750912820

Wolf Hall (Hilary Mantel) Wolf Hall (Hilary Mantel) soon to be presented for sale on the astounding BookLovers of Bath…

[richmond-rex]

Something about this portrait stood out to me because the person represented here looks exceedingly like Henry VII, and although I think Arthur inherited some of his father’s traits, it’s plain from one of his contemporary (and if not the only one) portraits that he inherited some of his mother’s looks as well, namely her nose and chin. 

Going by its catalogue number on the National Portrait Gallery’s website, this portrait is indeed supposed to represent King Henry VII. This etching, made by H. Grove and published by Nichols & Son in 1813, was based on a painting at the time in possession of Lady Bedingfield, who may have been a descendant of Sir Edmund Bedingfield of Oxburgh Hall. Sir Edmund was appointed as Comptroller and Steward to the former queen Catherine of Aragon (in essence, her gaoler).

His father, also named Sir Edmund Bedingfield, was created a Knight of the Bath at the coronation of Richard III but declined to fight for Richard at Bosworth. However, he fought for King Henry VII at the Battle of Stoke Field in 1487, and his son was rewarded with a visit by Henry VII, his wife Queen Elizabeth, his mother Margaret Beaufort, and several bishops. To that effect, Oxburgh Hall to this day have rooms named after that royal visit (the King and Queen’s chambers). All of Sir Edmund’s sons served under King Henry VIII. 

We simply don’t know if this painting dates from the time of Henry VII’s reign or not. If so, he was still very young, and I can’t help thinking there are many other portraits out there that have ‘vanished’ but that really are just stored away in some private collection. On the other hand, the painting looks rather more like this portrait of Henry VIII, dated around 1509. It has been attributed to Maynnart Wewyck, who at some point had been appointed as King Henry VII’s official painter. For me, it looks more like a copy of Henry VIII’s portrait but modified to depict his father King Henry VII.

Here goes the full picture since it happened to be cropped above:

Such a handsome boy. He was reported to have inherited his father’s Beaufort look.

Arthur Prince of Wales died on this day at the turn of the century, and could be said to be the last Medieval Prince. He would have surely made a better king than Henry VIII.

And who knows? Had he ruled we might still have Tudors on the throne today...

[scotianostra]

On 28th July 1746 the trial of the Scottish peers the Earl of Kilmarnock, the Earl of Cromertie and Lord Balmerino began and ended.

Kilmarnock and Cromartie both plead guilty to the charge, Bamerino, not guilty, a short trial commenced at Westminster Hall where Lord Balmerino stated he was not in Carlisle on the date the indictment stated.

The events of the day were recorded in The Newgate Calendar, was a monthly bulletin of executions, produced by the Keeper of Newgate Prison in London.

“THESE, noblemen possessed great influence, and were much respected, previous to, the unhappy rebellion in 1745. Having already given a correct, though abridged account, of the transactions in which they took conspicuous part; we proceed, without farther comment, to their trials, defence, speeches, and execution. The text is as it was printed in the bulletins.

“On Monday, the 28th of July, 1746, about eight o clock in the morning, the three rebel lords, prisoners in the Tower, were carried from thence in three coaches, the Earl of Kilmarnock, with Governor Williamson, and another gentleman, captain of the guard, in the first, the Earl of Cromartie; attended by Captain Marshall, in the second: and Lord Balmerino, attended by Mr. Fowler, gentleman gaoler, who had the axe covered by him, in the third, under a strong guard of foot-soldiers to Westminster Hall, where the Lord High Steward and the peers having taken their seats, proclamation was made for the Lieutenant of the Tower of London to return the precept to him directed, with the bodies of the prisoners: which done, the Gentleman Gaoler of the Tower brought his prisoners to the bar; and the proclamation was made for the King’s evidence to come forth, the King’s counsel, by his Grace’s direction, opened the indictment, then his Grace moved the house that he might advance forwards for the better hearing of the evidence, (which being done, William Earl of Kilmarnock was brought to the bar) and his bill of indictment for high treason read, to which his lordship, pleaded Guilty, and desired to be recommended to his Majesty for mercy. Then George Earl of Cromartie was brought to the bar, &c, who also pleaded Guilty and prayed for mercy, After which Arthur Lord Balmerino was brought to the bar, &c. who pleaded Not Guilty, alleging that he was not at Carlisle at the time specified in the indictment, whereupon six witnesses for the crown were called in and examined, whose evidence was distinctly repeated by the reading-clerk, proving that his Lordship entered Carlisle (though not the same day) sword in hand, at the head of a regiment called by his name, Elphinston’s horse. To this he made an exception, which was overruled. The Lord High Steward then asked him if he had any witness, or any thing further to offer in his defence. To which he replied, he was sorry he had given their lordships so much trouble, and had nothing more to say. Hereupon their lordships retired out of Westminster Hall to the House of Peers, where the opinion of the judges was asked, touching the overt act, which they declaring to be not material, as other facts were proved beyond contradiction, their lordships returned, and his Grace putting the question to the youngest baron, "Whether Arthur Lord Balmerino was guilty or not guilty, &c.” he clapt his right hand to his left breast, and said, “Guilty, upon my honour, my Lord,” as did all the rest of the peers. And the prisoners being again called to the bar, the Lord High Steward declared their resolutions: and they were ordered to be brought up on the 30th. at 11 o'clock in the morning to receive sentence.

Written notice was given them to bring what they might have to offer in arrest of judgment.– There were 136 peers present.“

It states there were 136 peers present, I am sure this would have been in the public gallery and that there was much interest in the trial as tickets were printed giving admission to the trials on the day as seen in the first pic.

The three were sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered. The sentence was changed to beheading because of their noble rank. The Earl of Cromarty was pardoned after his wife petitioned King George.

The Earl of Kilmarnock and Lord Balmerino were beheaded on Tower Hill on the 18th August 1746, I hope to pick up and post more details in August.

For my Outlander friends connections are, for The Earl of Kilmarnock he was the owner of Callendar House used in “Vengeance is Mine” in the TV series. He appears in Dragonfly in Amber in the books.

Castle Leod was the seat of  the Earl of Cromartie is widely considered to be the inspiration behind Castle Leoch. I can’t see any mention of Cromartie him in the books. He would no doubt have spent  time at Callendar House as guest of Kilmarnock, as he was present at The Battle of Falkirk.

I can’t find anything on him in the TV series but in the book Dragonfly in Amber Lord Balmerino accompanies Charles Stuart when he inspects the wounded after the Battle of Prestonpans and  Claire describes him as a chubby, cheerful man. Lord Balmerino shows Claire some broadsheets portraying Jamie as a depraved and dangerous Highlander and Claire as the Stuart Witch.

If I have got any of the Outlander stuff wrong forgive me I am by no means an expert.

[scotianostra]

On 28th July 1746 the trial of the Scottish peers the Earl of Kilmarnock, the Earl of Cromertie and Lord Balmerino began and ended.

Kilmarnock and Cromartie both plead guilty to the charge, Bamerino, not guilty, a short trial commenced at Westminster Hall where Lord Balmerino stated he was not in Carlisle on the date the indictment stated.

The events of the day were recorded in The Newgate Calendar, was a monthly bulletin of executions, produced by the Keeper of Newgate Prison in London.

"THESE, noblemen possessed great influence, and were much respected, previous to, the unhappy rebellion in 1745. Having already given a correct, though abridged account, of the transactions in which they took conspicuous part; we proceed, without farther comment, to their trials, defence, speeches, and execution. The text is as it was printed in the bulletins.

On Monday, the 28th of July, 1746, about eight o clock in the morning, the three rebel lords, prisoners in the Tower, were carried from thence in three coaches, the Earl of Kilmarnock, with Governor Williamson, and another gentleman, captain of the guard, in the first, the Earl of Cromartie; attended by Captain Marshall, in the second: and Lord Balmerino, attended by Mr. Fowler, gentleman gaoler, who had the axe covered by him, in the third, under a strong guard of foot-soldiers to Westminster Hall, where the Lord High Steward and the peers having taken their seats, proclamation was made for the Lieutenant of the Tower of London to return the precept to him directed, with the bodies of the prisoners: which done, the Gentleman Gaoler of the Tower brought his prisoners to the bar; and the proclamation was made for the King's evidence to come forth, the King's counsel, by his Grace's direction, opened the indictment, then his Grace moved the house that he might advance forwards for the better hearing of the evidence, (which being done, William Earl of Kilmarnock was brought to the bar) and his bill of indictment for high treason read, to which his lordship, pleaded Guilty, and desired to be recommended to his Majesty for mercy. Then George Earl of Cromartie was brought to the bar, &c, who also pleaded Guilty and prayed for mercy, After which Arthur Lord Balmerino was brought to the bar, &c. who pleaded Not Guilty, alleging that he was not at Carlisle at the time specified in the indictment, whereupon six witnesses for the crown were called in and examined, whose evidence was distinctly repeated by the reading-clerk, proving that his Lordship entered Carlisle (though not the same day) sword in hand, at the head of a regiment called by his name, Elphinston's horse. To this he made an exception, which was overruled. The Lord High Steward then asked him if he had any witness, or any thing further to offer in his defence. To which he replied, he was sorry he had given their lordships so much trouble, and had nothing more to say. Hereupon their lordships retired out of Westminster Hall to the House of Peers, where the opinion of the judges was asked, touching the overt act, which they declaring to be not material, as other facts were proved beyond contradiction, their lordships returned, and his Grace putting the question to the youngest baron, "Whether Arthur Lord Balmerino was guilty or not guilty, &c." he clapt his right hand to his left breast, and said, "Guilty, upon my honour, my Lord," as did all the rest of the peers. And the prisoners being again called to the bar, the Lord High Steward declared their resolutions: and they were ordered to be brought up on the 30th. at 11 o'clock in the morning to receive sentence.

Written notice was given them to bring what they might have to offer in arrest of judgment.-- There were 136 peers present."

It states there were 136 peers present, I am sure this would have been in the public gallery and that there was much interest in the trial as tickets were printed giving admission to the trials on the day as seen in the first pic.

The three were sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered. The sentence was changed to beheading because of their noble rank. The Earl of Cromarty was pardoned after his wife petitioned King George.

The Earl of Kilmarnock and Lord Balmerino were beheaded on Tower Hill on the 18th August 1746, I hope to pick up and post more details in August.

For my Outlander friends connections are, for The Earl of Kilmarnock he was the owner of Callendar House used in “Vengeance is Mine” in the TV series. He appears in Dragonfly in Amber in the books.

Castle Leod was the seat of  the Earl of Cromartie is widely considered to be the inspiration behind Castle Leoch. I can’t see any mention of Cromartie him in the books. He would no doubt have spent  time at Callendar House as guest of Kilmarnock, as he was present at The Battle of Falkirk. 

I can’t find anything on him in the TV series but in the book Dragonfly in Amber Lord Balmerino accompanies Charles Stuart when he inspects the wounded after the Battle of Prestonpans and  Claire describes him as a chubby, cheerful man. Lord Balmerino shows Claire some broadsheets portraying Jamie as a depraved and dangerous Highlander and Claire as the Stuart Witch. 

If I have got any of the Outlander stuff wrong forgive me I am by no means an expert.