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Isca
Nov 10, 2011 20:39:34 GMT
Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Nov 10, 2011 20:39:34 GMT
"Perhaps." Mark replied. "Let us hope then that the Arthur's efforts do not mean the realm is neglected."
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Isca
Nov 10, 2011 20:47:48 GMT
Post by Morgan le Fay on Nov 10, 2011 20:47:48 GMT
"Why should it be? Sir Ector ruled as regent after Uther's death. Why should he not do so now?" Geraint replied. "I am sure the realm will be in safe hands."
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Isca
Nov 12, 2011 10:57:20 GMT
Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Nov 12, 2011 10:57:20 GMT
"Perhaps." replied Mark. Clearly Geraint was not going to listen to any criticism of Arthur. He had done enough in finding out his cousin's disposition towards Arthur, so he decided to change the subject.
"So how goes it here in Isca? King Anguish of Ireland still raids the shores of Cornwall on occasions and as such I must remain vigilant. The Saxons are regular raiders in the east and I'm told they are expanding their targets. Have they struck this far west yet?"
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Isca
Nov 12, 2011 11:42:33 GMT
Post by Morgan le Fay on Nov 12, 2011 11:42:33 GMT
"No. I don't trust the Saxons but they are more like to attack Cameliard than Isca. I hear Leodegrance has had some troubles on his own borders. Were I our boy king, I would be seeking to ally with some of them. I've no love of Saxons but no good can come of going to war with them, and that's plainly what they want from their raids on Cameliard."
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Isca
Nov 12, 2011 23:31:37 GMT
Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Nov 12, 2011 23:31:37 GMT
"So cousin, can I count on your support against fighting off any Irish incursions? My father and brother both died in battle against them and I would like to end their scourge once and for all."
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Isca
Nov 12, 2011 23:35:40 GMT
Post by Morgan le Fay on Nov 12, 2011 23:35:40 GMT
"You can. I have no love for the Irish. I don't wish to see my cousin suffer. I wonder at their boldness though. I thought King Anguysh's daughter was a hostage at Camelot. Is she not still there?"
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Isca
Nov 12, 2011 23:39:07 GMT
Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Nov 12, 2011 23:39:07 GMT
"I believe so." replied Mark. "However Anguysh does little to control these Irish pirates, although he does not go as far as risking Arthur's wrath or the safety of his daughter by actively supporting them."
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Isca
Nov 13, 2011 0:09:55 GMT
Post by Morgan le Fay on Nov 13, 2011 0:09:55 GMT
"I see. I hesitate to suggest it but have you tried negotiating with the pirates? Perhaps you could encourage them to raid elsewhere?"
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Isca
Nov 13, 2011 1:00:19 GMT
Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Nov 13, 2011 1:00:19 GMT
"Buy them off you mean?" Mark asked with a smirk.
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Isca
Nov 13, 2011 1:07:39 GMT
Post by Morgan le Fay on Nov 13, 2011 1:07:39 GMT
"Yes. The Irish have been pirates for as long as I know. They won't change easily unless they have a good reason to do so. Which means you have to give them one, be it war or bribery."
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Isca
Nov 14, 2011 19:58:40 GMT
Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Nov 14, 2011 19:58:40 GMT
"Personally I favor war." said Mark. "Cornwall will not pay off these brigands, whilst I am King."
He paused in silence for a moment. "You know, our forces joined together could make life very uncomfortable for these Irish."
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Isca
Nov 14, 2011 21:43:15 GMT
Post by Morgan le Fay on Nov 14, 2011 21:43:15 GMT
"So they could, but what would that gain Isca? Beyond the satisfaction of having aided a kinsman, of course."
Geraint steepled his hands as he looked at Mark. He was not the kind of man who did something for nothing.
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Isca
Nov 16, 2011 7:25:58 GMT
Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Nov 16, 2011 7:25:58 GMT
"Is that not enough?" replied Mark with a mock injured look. He noted that Geraint was looking at him somewhat expectantly. Finally Mark put down his wine cup and laughed.
"What does Isca get? A share of the plunder of course. Gold, women and the like. Let's say the amount proportional to the number of forces supplied."
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Isca
Nov 16, 2011 11:11:07 GMT
Post by Morgan le Fay on Nov 16, 2011 11:11:07 GMT
Geraint nodded. Gold was always welcome.
"That is fair and I consent. Have you sought counsel of the High King or his representatives? He is our liege lord and I hold my lands directly in his own demesne. An attack on Ireland from Isca must appear to have the High King's blessing. If we seek solely to defend your lands that is one matter but a deliberate act of war against Ireland...it would be discourteous not to inform Sir Ector or whoever else has been appointed as custodian of Camelot in Arthur's place while he pursues his quest."
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Isca
Nov 17, 2011 10:15:31 GMT
Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Nov 17, 2011 10:15:31 GMT
"I shall inform Sir Ector of my intentions and your support as a matter of courtesy." replied Mark. "But if you are concerned about seeming the aggressor, I will make it clear that it shall be Tintagel rather than Isca that the attack comes from. And in any case, I wage war not on Ireland, but on the Irish pirates that plague our shores."
Mark's eyes glinted with malice. "I shall finally avenge the deaths of my father and brother, cousin."
He held out his hand and smiled. "We are agreed then. Let us, as men of honor, shake on it."
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