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Post by Morgan le Fay on Jun 2, 2012 13:07:52 GMT
King Mark's ship arrives at the coast of Brittany after being delayed by storms. As the crew offloads the cargo, the captain turned to Mark.
"You know where you're going next, my lord, or you need a guide?"
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Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Jun 5, 2012 0:15:28 GMT
"A guide to King Hoel's current abode would be in order." replied Mark, flipping the man a gold coin.
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Jun 5, 2012 9:05:22 GMT
The captain took it with an easy flick of his wrist.
"It will be two days journey from here, lord King. I will send my son with you. He knows the way. An extra coin for him when the task is done."
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Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Jun 8, 2012 6:36:19 GMT
Mark laughed. These Bretons were just like his own Cornishmen.
"Certainly my good man. Your price is steep, but a King does not haggle like an old woman at a market-stall."
He grasped the man's wrist still smiling.
"But not until your son completes his task to my satisfaction."
Releasing his wrist he clapped the man on the shoulder. "Now lead me and my men to your guide and let us be out of this place. I have much to discuss with King Hoel."
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Jun 8, 2012 7:16:49 GMT
The young man was standing on the dock, helping with the unloading of the cargo. He was perhaps sixteen years old, tall, skinny and sun-browned from hours spent on deck. He grinned with big buck teeth when his father called him from the task.
"King Mark wishes you to serve as his guide to the castle of King Hoel."
The lad nodded and said "Yes, Father."
He had a low, mumbly voice, and could not look Mark in the eye. The captain clapped him on the shoulder and whispered in his ear. He nodded again and looked at Mark.
"Ready, my lord?"
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Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Jun 8, 2012 7:22:33 GMT
Mark's eyes narrowed slightly when he observed the captain's son but he smiled. "Lead on lad."
His men had by now filed off the ship. With a jaunty wave, Mark signalled to his men to follow him.
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Jun 8, 2012 22:42:22 GMT
The young man led the way inland.
"You haven't been to Brittany before, my lord?"
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Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Jun 8, 2012 22:49:01 GMT
"Many years ago." replied Mark. Then, in these parts those who spoke Latin used to call me Marcus Conomorus. I doubt most would remember me now."
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Jun 9, 2012 1:24:04 GMT
"I've never heard that name before," the young man admitted. "Nobody uses the Roman names now."
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Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Jun 9, 2012 1:43:58 GMT
"I know and the world is now a much darker place than when they did." replied Mark. He took a swig of wine from a flask tied to his saddle and rubbed the back of his hand across his mouth.
"How long until we reach King Hoel?"
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Jun 9, 2012 2:12:42 GMT
"Two days, lord, so long as we hit no trouble. But the road was peaceful last time we were here. That was six moons ago, maybe."
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Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Jun 9, 2012 3:08:29 GMT
Mark nodded. "We shall be more than a match for any outlaws or bandits, should we come across them."
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Jun 9, 2012 9:40:02 GMT
"Yes, my lord. Your men look very fierce," the young man agreed. "Do you know King Hoel well, my lord?"
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Post by King Mark of Cornwall on Jun 9, 2012 9:53:43 GMT
"His sister is married to one of my vassals." replied Mark. "I've known Hoel since my youth, but it has been over fifteen years since we last met."
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Jun 9, 2012 11:47:39 GMT
"Oh. I've never met the King. My father was presented to him once, I think," the young man confided. "You must be happy to see your sister again? I don't see my sisters very much because I'm always at sea."
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