Scribed by Branwen
Spring 1318AD
It’s just over ten years since I joined the covenant of Severn Temple, five since I last scribed within this journal, and in truth the years seem to pass ever quicker. It’s something of a relief that I will take my first longevity potion later this year for otherwise I don’t know how there would be enough time to deal with all the matters that we face and still be able to further study the magical arts that are our gifted birthright. At least I have somehow found the hours within which to improve my knowledge of Latin and I trust that you, the reader, will be suitably impressed at what I anticipate will be a recording of events with less crossing through of miswritten passages.
All members of the covenant attended the first council of the year, although the mood of Terentius remained grim following the death of his familiar in the town of Bridgewater. It was clear enough that our sodalis fully intended to pursue his revenge this season, although after some time we were at least able to persuade him that to journey there alone with no plan beyond attacking anything infernal that he could find was perhaps not the wisest course of action, particularly as with the death of Meliorax he has lost his ability to see those spirits that can remain hidden from mundane vision. Jari, with the remarkable insight that he so often demonstrates, speculated that the demon was most likely to be found within the infernal regio beneath the castle. Sadly, on the more difficult questions as to whether this was the same entity that haunted the nearby woods, and whether the man that Terentius had encountered within the regio was truly the real Baron, he was unable to proffer any greater revelation than the rest of us. Theoclea said that the Baron had last been seen at court several years ago prior to the King’s invasion of Ireland. She also suggested that it would be worth notifying the King in advance of any journey to Bridgewater, in the ever so unlikely event that Terentius ended up drawing attention to himself in some way and got himself into more trouble so soon after last year’s tribunal decisions. Terentius wasn’t that enthusiastic about that, but Naevius persuaded him to accept a council vote on the matter and with the exception of our Tremere all agreed that such a message should be relayed by Theoclea, who was planning to spend the season at court anyway. Given that his House seems to be happy to spend a great deal of time in the company of the King I don’t think his reluctance was down to any concerns about sharing our business with the temporal authorities of England but rather his dour and fatalistic mood, and perhaps a smattering of the overconfidence that he has in his own ability. He was also clear that he would prefer to undertake the task alone but was again persuaded to listen to his sodales and eventually agreed that Pyrrhus could accompany him. While I would normally consider such a decision to be foolhardy beyond belief, given the Flambeau magus’ obvious lack of wit and untrustworthy nature, the truth is the rest of us probably wouldn’t be of huge value facing such infernal threats. I did at one point offer to accompany him myself, given that I at least might be able to see a hidden infernal spirit, but it was an offer he declined, and given how swiftly things went wrong last season I can’t say I was overwhelmingly upset about being deemed surplus to requirements. It was agreed that he would stay his vengeance until Theoclea had been given sufficient time to speak with the King, and to allow Pyrrhus to take the ship for a short visit to Cliffheart covenant. Unsurprisingly he wasn’t forthcoming about why he needed to make such a journey, but I’ll warrant it’s to let them know about Stonehenge’s censure of their murderous actions at Crannagh Tomb. Treacherous lickspittle!
The council also discussed the news from the Tegid Foel that among the fae there are those considering fleeing to Arcadia due to the threat from the East. Jari and I suggested that we might try and speak with some of the Fae powers to learn what they know of this shadow and the council agreed that this would be a useful service to the covenant. We plan to visit Llyr first and, if we have time, to travel on to see Gofannon.
Naevius then apologised that the distribution of vis for services last year would be slim, given that we have tithes, trade deals and Terentius’ fine to settle, before granting 4 pawns for each season; I wonder what Deanna would make of such a sum being considered a poor reward. Our Princeps will extract vim vis this season to replenish something of our supplies.
***
While the careful reader of this journal will know that the flow of time can pass strangely to those who travel within deep regios I am glad to record that myself and Jari have returned from both the faerie courts of water and stone with near three weeks still remaining of the season. There is a little reading I want to do to see if there are any further insights I can gather from our travels but there is a bit of a spring squall today, so this seems as good a time as any to make a record of the trip. Just before dawn on the day following our council and the raising of the Aegis of the Hearth, Jari, myself, his familiar Races the Wind and his faerie fox companion Eanfled, made our way to the spring that lies just beyond the covenant bounds. There he incanted his words of power and summoned forth from the waters the spirit of that place, the Lladra. There he treated long with her, striking a bargain that she would bear us unmolested to and from the court of King Llyr in exchange for which he would on six occasions attend the pagan festivities that some of our turb perform at the spring, to add his voice and music to the celebration.
Scrawled in Ogham in the Journal margin - I hope that Jari appreciates how impressive I’ve made this sound.
With the deal struck we were swiftly transported away, a strange, but not unpleasant, sensation of being surrounded by rushing water with dappled light illuminating the way. We arrived in a strange underwater world with a vast gatehouse that opened to reveal the faerie court of the summer waters. We were met by Lady Nimuȅ, who contrary to the picture I had formed of her in my mind was a very fair elf maiden with long silver hair and wearing a beautiful gown of dark blue and green. I did not forget how dangerous she could be however and both myself and Jari declined her offer of food and drink after our journey. She led us to meet Llyr, although by that time we had lost both of Jari’s animal companions who seemed to have started some frenzied chasing game around the court, something to do with Races the Wind’s nature in the early spring months I understand. She led us into a great hall with tall columns upon which were extremely fine carvings of underwater scenes, where she took a seat to the left of the throne upon which King Llyr sat. On his right sat a pale, slender man, who Jari informed me was a faerie that had taken something of the nature of the former magus of our covenant, Tiarnan. The King said he knew why we had come, for he recognised the threat that was coming from the east, heralded by a taint within the water which spoke of the shadow that followed. Tiarnan said that the shadow was born of an infernal power raised by a corrupt spirit and that when it arrived even those who count themselves among the undying faced a grave future. The King asked Nimuȅ what she could say of hope and her response was grim, for while Gofannon and Nynniaw both placed faith upon the girl (Theoclea, for anyone reading who lacks wit) she did not believe her taking her position as Queen would be enough. She said that the shadow has been sent to destroy all faerie and magic to be found in the world, and all those who practice such will meet their end. Llyr then said that he believed that his choice was between giving up this court of Summer, retreating to the deep seas of his winter court, or taking leave of the world entirely and returning beyond the silver gate. He then said that there were places there where those of our kind might make a home and that if we wished we might leave with him. Jari, to his credit, said that he believed that there was still hope and Tiarnan said that maybe he was right but that he could not see a path, for the instigator was beyond the reach of the fae. He speculated that perhaps we would need to pass under the influence of the shadow, but he said that he did not believe our magic would offer us any protection and felt that opposing such a power was beyond the endeavour of wizards. Llyr told us not to seek any aid from the Shining One for the hands of fate are what they are and any price charged would be greater than could be borne. With that cheery note it was clear that our audience was at an end, and we were returned back to the covenant by the Lladra once more.
As that first part of the journey had taken us only about a month we swiftly made our way into the faerie regio that lies close to the covenant as the first step on the path to see Gofannon, this time bringing additional companions with us in the form of my consors Gwendolyn and a grog named Jessop. While I couldn’t see the path that he followed, Jari assured me that there was one, which he called a trod, that would take us straight to Gofynwy’s cave. Despite the long periods I have spent travelling the Dean I have barely ventured into this regio, and it was interesting to see the differences between the wild wood which lies under the Green Man’s protection and this one. It is still a wild and magical place but the tenor is very different, and as we walked we espied from a distance the strange creatures called Bwbachod, whose countenance reminded me in some ways of something of Magus Llandoddwyn. Jari led us to a steep staircase running up the side of a cliff and as we drew closer to the top we could hear the sound of hammering, which drew to a close as we took the final steps. There we were met by the faerie stonesmith, Gofynwy, who greeted us warmly. Like Llyr he seemed to know something of why we had come, and he said that he had heard the earth screaming. He agreed to lead us to Gofannon’s court without any price charged and we followed him through his workshop to a great underground canyon. Several previous authors within this journal have spoken of the route to Gofannon’s cave, but the written word can not do justice to just how unnerving it is to sit upon the back of a stone faerie while he crosses a seemingly bottomless crevasse supported only by a long strand of silver thread. His footing was sure, and I never felt in any danger, but nevertheless it isn’t something I think I would want to do on a regular basis.
We descended through what felt like miles of twisting tunnels, being joined on the way by diminutive and seemingly crudely hewn stone figures, before arriving within the great cavern at the heart of the mountain. While I do not share some of the previous magi of our covenant’s fascination with delving into the underground, I cannot deny that it was an impressive sight; great stalactites containing quartz and crystal that glow as if lit from within stretching up to meet stalagmites whose shape bears more than a passing resemblance to the limbs and forms of men, surrounding a pool of still metallic water and a large stone throne covered with intricate designs. From that pool emerged the alabaster form of the King of the Undermountain, his features seemingly perfectly symmetrical though with his sharp teeth and dark eyes not a little intimidating, and upon his brow a crown that reflected perfectly the surroundings as he passed. Much as before he started by saying that he knew why we had come to his court and he and Jari began to discuss the threat. Hearing the warnings we had already received he stated that he believed that Nimuȅ holds too great a sway over King Llyr and that due to his nature the Tegid Foel sees only darkness and terror. He did not believe that we were without hope in the face of the threat from the East but made it plain that he does not believe it is something that the power of wizards alone can contest. He spoke plainly of the need for Theoclea to take the Crown of Mabh and claim her birthright but said that even this would not be enough for that is not sufficient to raise the power of the land, and unlike her aunt she had not been trained in how to do so. This power, he said, had been cast into ancient treasures which in the right hands could be wielded and used for either good or ill. He claimed that he knew where some might be found but would not share such knowledge unless Theoclea took the crown, and that this was something that she had to do for the right reasons and not because she was motivated by fear. He said that he had spoken with Nynniaw, who like himself had hope, and said he would seek to speak with Llyr and convince him not to abandon this realm. With that he bade us farewell and we undertook the long journey whence we had come, leading us to the point at which I commenced recording these events.
Branwen’s private journal: Both Gofynwy and Gofannon greeted me by saying that they recognised me but did not know my name, something that I can only attribute to the mark of the Crann Bethadh that I bear. Curiously on the return journey Jari pointed out to me that as we passed them the Bwbachod bowed in our direction and said that this had been the same as journeyed within. I ended up sharing a little more of what I knew about the Crann Bethadh with him, for while I have mentioned it before I have not sought to draw attention to what I know, and of all my sodales I find that I trust Jari the most, despite his obvious personality flaws. I think that it might be interesting when we return to these woods to speak with the Nynniaw.
While we have been gone the potential spymaster that Borri Tor appears to want a small fortune for has arrived at the covenant. I’m sure that Jari and Terentius will be well placed to determine whether he is worth even a fraction of his supposed value.
***
Well, I finally think I have pieced together enough of what happened at Bridgewater this season to have a stab at telling the tale. Obviously, this is largely what I have learned from Terentius, as I am trying to avoid spending too much time in the vicinity of Pyrrhus, but hopefully it’s a broadly accurate representation. It seems that at the start of the season, while I was off travelling with Jari in the court of water, Terentius had managed to recruit Magus Daedelus to assist with the mission, though I’m a little unclear as to whether it was my sodales or the Tremere from Blackthorn who instigated the arrangement. Nevertheless, it was about a fortnight into the season when the two of them, accompanied by Pyrrhus, made their way to Bridgewater. They had taken a barge with them and identified a point alongside the river where they could reasonably camouflage its presence, and close to a point where they could set a camp and make some observation of what was occurring in the town. After a few days they finalised their plan and at night Terentius and Pyrrhus made their way into the town under the cover of invisibility magics. They saw three of the mercenaries in the employ of the ‘Baron’ in the marketplace but they were able to make their way through the backstreets and reach the walls of the castle. Using magic they entered the grounds and were able to render asleep the mercenary who had previously been injured by Terentius, and who now guarded the door into the keep. Using a prearranged signal Daedelus joined them, for he had been flying under the cover of invisibility in the vicinity. Within the keep they saw the ‘Baron’ in the great hall but Terentius and Pyrrhus were able to pass undetected and make their way to the cellars where the regio lay. They were joined shortly by Daedelus but he reported that he did not think he had been as fortunate and may have been spotted. Hearing footsteps from up above Terentius quickly cast the spell Sense the Elusive Boundary and leading the others passed into the infernal regio. It was pitch dark within but Daedelus swiftly erected a ward against the infernal and Pyrrhus summoned a light to fill the room. They could see the walls and floor covered with congealed blood and observed dark, wispy tendrils like smoke that quickly dissipated as they were illuminated. Almost immediately they espied at the back of the room a demon covered with gore and entrails, standing to about the height of a short man, with long, spindly limbs and a skull like face with mandibles like needles. Battle swiftly commenced, Terensius firing an arrow to which he had tethered the spell Demon’s Eternal Oblivion and Pyrrhus launching a bolt of lightning. Both missed initially but Daedelus also cast the Demon’s Eternal Oblivion which struck the creature and drove it backwards towards three cells. They followed and Terentius fired true the second time and the creature was destroyed. Within one of the cells they were able to find the real Baron Cecil, though he was chained with manacles of a strange black metal on both wrists and one leg, marked with occult symbols. Forcing their way into the cell they examined the restraints and Daedelus suggested that the markings might be the sigil of a demon, acting as some form of curse. Terentius attempted to reduce the size of the Baron so that he might be freed but his magic was turned back against him, his Parma Magica sufficient to avoid any ill outcome. Using the spell Rock to Viscid Clay they were able to prize the manacles from the wall and then used the enchantment Rend the Magic Veil to open a passage back to the mundane level of the dungeon. Alas, as Pyrrhus stepped through he was assailed by four men, two armed with crossbows and two with melee weapons. While he quickly activated a magical device to ward against the blows of metal weapons it seems that it was ineffective against the arms these men bore and he was quickly beaten unconscious. As this happened Daedelus was able to cast a spell of his own and drive three of them away in fear before dealing with the final one through exerting control over his body. Quickly the rest passed through the mystic veil and locking the door bought themselves sufficient time to hack the manacles from the Baron and then through potions and spells apported away from that place, with a potion being forced down the throat of the still unconscious Pyrrhus. At some point during these events I understand that Terentius was able to recover the body of his familiar but he did not speak in any detail as to the circumstances of that matter and I have not pressed for the tale. It is clear that the loss still weighs heavy on my sodalis. I intend to take such a bond myself in years to come but I will not quickly forget how I have seen the heavy burden that this might place upon myself.
All were able to return to the covenant, save for Pyrrhus who did not return to his sanctum as expected. It later turned out that he had somehow apported back to the village of his birth in Wales. On regaining consciousness, he apparently journeyed to Holy Isle and from there to Bangor. Eventually he found a ship which returned him to the region of the covenant, though not before he was delayed in the port of Aberystwyth for some time by a severe storm.
Scrawled in Ogham in the Journal margin – Imagine how I feel to discover that Pyrrhus also heralds from the land of my birth. Alas that he did not perish on his return journey.
After Baron Cecil had been tended for his wounds and provided some sustenance to recover something of his strength, he and Terentius were able to speak. Terentius revealed that he was a member of the Hermetic Order of Scholars but asked that the Baron did not reveal what he had seen during his rescue. It sounds like the Baron was not entirely committed to honouring this request, something to do with honesty to his liege, but he did at least tell our sodalis the story of what had befallen him. He relayed that he had not expected to rise to the position of Baron, but after his cousin disappeared without having fathered a child he was elevated to the title. He was aware that there were rumours that his cousin had been in league with the King’s enemies but taking occupation of the castle all seemed well for the first years. After a time though he began to have troubled dreams, recalling only that in them someone had entered his room and pierced his arm as if bleeding him with a needle. He might have ignored this but when his wife fell pregnant, she too started to report the same dream and fearing that something was happening he placed guards at her door and a maid-in-waiting within her chamber. Still she reported such dreams though and as she came close to term she became stressed and paranoid, suffering from a severe shortage of sleep. Typical man, but he dismissed her concerns for had he not sought evidence of wrongdoing and found none. He said that he had been persuaded that it was nought but the common anxiety of a new mother. Even when his child died shortly after birth, a body bearing fragile skin that had the appearance of sun beaten parchment, as if all life had been drained from it, again he denied his wife’s concerns that some creature was visiting her at night. She died one week later, her skin pale and thin like their dead child.
In the weeks leading up to these events there had been reports of an increase in criminal activity within the town and the Baron had sent his Serjeant-at-Arms to make investigation. Between the death of his child and his wife, the Baron’s Captain of the Guard also died and this Serjeant-at-Arms suggested employing some additional men for support, saying he knew of some suitable candidates. The Baron refused, perhaps sensing that something was amiss – though too late for his wife of course. With her death he finally became convinced that something was amiss within his court and confided his suspicions with his steward, who had been a long serving man. Alas for him, he had chosen the wrong man to relate his fears to and that very night he was drugged and awoke in absolute darkness. He was not aware of how long he had been missing and was shocked to learn it was more than three years since he had been seen by any save those in his court. Of he and Terentius’ first meeting in that dark place he reported that he heard a voice in the darkness that told him what to say. It was not the first time he had heard it for the harsh voice of the demon had long tormented him as to the fate of his wife and child and how he had been replaced so another now ruled his court. Cecil also told Terentius that the Maid-in-Waiting who should have protected his wife had been appointed by the steward who betrayed him and that he had been advised that there was poor hunting in the nearby woods so he should find his sport in other places.
On hearing the Baron’s tale Terentius sent a message to Theoclea and with five weeks of Summer remaining she returned to the covenant where they agreed that she should take the Baron to court to have him formally acknowledged. Prior to that however, Terentius has returned to Bridgewater, disguised I am told as a farm labourer, where he plans to make an assay on what was happening.
***
About a week after Jari and I had returned to the covenant an informal council meeting was called to which all the magi here attended. Terentius reported from Bridgewater that to his surprise there was no great change within the town, with the false Baron reportedly still in the castle and his mercenaries still to be seen in the town. He did discover that the steward had not been seen since shortly after the death of the Baron’s wife and he and Theoclea surmised that he might well be the one who had taken the Baron’s role, for he would know enough to pass himself off as a noble. He had also learned that heavy taxes were being levied and their suspicion was that they might be seeking to siphon funds in advance of fleeing the town. Therefore Terentius planned to keep watch on the town and if the false Baron sought to escape he would try and end his evil. Once again Pyrrhus agreed to accompany him and Jari agreed to spend his remaining time watching the town using arcane connections (though in truth I am not sure whether these were ever provided to him. There was also a plan to plant some clipped coins in the taxes in order to track anyone who fled but I think the events that I am about to relate overtook that. Or we just forgot). The watch was placed not a moment too soon for after just two nights spent watching the nearby dock Terentius espied a wagon and several figures approaching at night and lanterns being used to signal between that group and one of the barges. Pausing only to alert Pyrrhus, Terentius immediately apported from the far bank where they had been watching to the docks. As he arrived he immediately attacked a hooded figure who appeared to be in the lead of the group. The man moved with preternatural speed but as he did so his hood fell back and Terentius could see that while half his face bore the guise of the Baron the other half was misshapen and appeared a little like melting wax. Pyrrhus flew across to join him, though he was briefly attacked in the air, presumably by the demon that had initially felled Meliorax last season. He was not waylaid for any time however and the two magi then brought ruinous destruction on their foes, slaying as I understand it seven people. It doesn’t sound like it was subtle but it seems there were no survivors, and it was beyond the site of the town so we are unlikely to hear reports of magic from mundane society. The wagon contained the fruits of the looting that the diabolists had been undertaking, though our sodales did not have sufficient time to recover this. They did however collect a number of legal documents and the Baron’s signet ring, and the head of the fake Baron was removed and destroyed. Theoclea will undertake the necessary arrangements to ensure that mundane matters are dealt with and overall this must be considered a successful conclusion to a dangerous and difficult affair. While it is clear that Terentius still grieves his loss I did detect a hint of a smile as he relayed the tale of the battle so perhaps we can hope that his recent dark mood will pass in time.
Summer
Theoclea opened our council by informing us that Baron Cecil will shortly be restored to Bridgewater. It will be reported that the steward falsely imprisoned the Baron who has now made his escape and dealt with the usurpers. While the bodies were found the treasure has not – I’ll warrant that some local peasant or bargeman is going to be trying to work out how to explain their newfound wealth. Our remaining concern regarding Bridgewater is whether there is anything still in the forest. We will place some agents in the town, as no doubt will the crown, and with the Baron somewhat in our debt I imagine it is likely that Terentius will go wandering down there at some point in the not-so-distant future.
We spoke a little of what Jari and I had learned during spring and we agreed that it would be worthwhile to continue to seek the views of the fae and pagan spirits for while there are many similarities in their tales there are also differences which might reveal something to us. We also agreed that we should speak with those who may have some contacts within the Eastern Order to see if any reports have emerged closer to the source of the shadow.
Jari and Terentius confirmed their intention to travel to Hibernia in Autumn and to that end are finishing the creation of spells that they have been working on in preparation. I should record that there was a request that Pyrrhus create some potions of the Seven League Stride as a service to support their journey, but he was unwilling as he deemed it more important that he learn the Swift Swordsman’s Arm from our library. I feared that an argument might ensue, but as it was Naevius volunteered to undertake a second season’s service and craft the potions himself, so alas not. Jari seems a little cautious about the journey, primarily due to the English invasion, but reported that they would start by visiting Glencoghlea covenant.
With regard to the possible new spymaster, who I understand is called Stephan, Terentius and Jari have agreed to set him two tests to determine whether we should spend 5000 silver pennies on his recruitment. In case you are worried that my recent improvements in Latin have met their limitation I will confirm that I did mean to write 5000 silver pennies. He has been given two seasons to improve the communication paths between our agents and to see if anyone gifted can be found within the Dean.
***
I have had a most pleasant season in the north of England, assisting Deanna as she crafted my longevity potion. I am happy to say that it looks like I will still have some time to study the magical arts after all, assuming I do not fall prey to some mishap and that a solution can be found to the impending doom from the East.
It appears that the season passed largely uneventfully. There was however a visit from Gaines who brought a little news to the covenant, and I shall try and contain my anger as I record this. He reported that a Scottish noble called Edwards de Brus travelled with an army to Ireland and fought a battle with the English near a place called Coleraine in the north east of that Isle. It seems that he lost. Badly. He, and the small number of his men who survived, are now travelling around Ireland looking to recruit others to fight against Theoclea’s brother. He also reported that Primus Aleuitius of House Flambeau has declared himself Praeco of Hibernia and has called for a meeting of the tribunal at Cliffheart next Summer. There a case will be heard against Pravia, Tiberius and Ereman of this tribunal who he has charged as being court wizards to the English King while within the bounds of the Hibernian tribunal.
I understand that after Gaines left the council chamber there was a discussion in which Pyrrhus confirmed my suspicion that he was sharing news from our redcaps and tribunal with the magi of Cliffheart. More significantly it was revealed, in what I imagine must have been a quite animated discussion, that Pyrrhus had specifically been asking questions about the three wizards who have had charge raised against them. In case anyone one reading is trying to work out why I might be so angry about a Scottish army battling an English one let me be clear that it is my sodalis’ continuing betrayals that have left me so upset. It is not enough that he has at the very least sided with those involved in murdering members of my House on the most flimsy of pretexts, if he was not directly involved himself, but now he seeks to create friction between the Stonehenge and Hibernian tribunals at a time when he knows full well there are significant threats coming our way. I am told that he exhibited no guilt or remorse about his actions and that he is indeed attending the tribunal himself – he claims as a guest though it must surely be as a witness to confirm what he has reported. Quite rightly both Terentius and Theoclea have suggested they will no longer speak so freely at council when Pyrrhus is present – I confirm here that I am of the same mind. At the start of the charter of this covenant it says, ‘In a spirit of fraternity with my sodales I shall seek to act for the benefit of this covenant and those who make their home here.’ I shall leave those reading to consider what has been reported about Magus Pyrrhus this season, and in previous years, and whether he lives up to those noble ideals.
Branwen’s private journal: On reflection I think I might have laid it on a bit thick in the journal. Don’t get me wrong – he is a dangerous and foolish man and the covenant, and frankly the world, would be a better place without him – but that really was a bit sanctimonious and more than a little hypocritical. Still, I’m not going to cross it out after having made such a to do about my writing at the start of the year. I’ll try and put across my point more succinctly next season.
Autumn
The council met and we agreed our season’s activities.
Branwen’s private journal: Well, that was a fairly tedious council meeting. Unsurprisingly there was still some ill feeling about Pyrrhus’ actions, with Jari surprisingly being the one to try and reach some kind of resolution. I share his concerns that if we can’t discuss things freely at council then it’s going to make matters more difficult but it seems clear that Naevius isn’t willing to limit Pyrrhus’ attendance at council and I can’t see that we can ensure the effectiveness of any voluntary restriction Pyrrhus might lay upon himself given that he can’t be trusted.
***
Jari and Terentius returned safely from their expedition to Hibernia.
Branwen’s private journal: I think I’d better wait until next season’s council to determine what I record of Jari and Terentius’ journey to Hibernia in the journal. They may not want to report all the details in front of Pyrrhus.
My own season passed satisfactorily.
Branwen’s private journal: The trip to the Heart of the Forest proved very interesting. It’s perhaps not entirely surprising that the Green Man hadn’t sensed the shadow from the East himself, although it is clear that some of the trees have detected a slight taint upon the wind. It’s also no surprise that he doesn’t put any faith in Theoclea taking up the Crown of Mabh, he has never acknowledged the line of Gwyrnbach, or that he considers there to be no hope in the actions of men, whom he despises. What he has told me is going to need a lot of thought however, for I don’t yet understand the path he has suggested.
***
Just before the end of the season we received a message that Terentius and Jari would be remaining within Hibernia for another season.
Branwen’s private journal: Terentius had sent us a note via our ship to inform us that the trail they were following had proved fruitful and that they were pursuing their quarry, believing that Brother Hadrian was currently in the east of that Tribunal. Rather forebodingly Terentius finished his note with an exhortation that we ‘be not alarmed’ – I wonder if once again he is being a little bolder than might be wise.
My own season passed satisfactorily.
Branwen’s private journal: The trip to the Heart of the Forest proved very interesting. It’s perhaps not entirely surprising that the Green Man hadn’t sensed the shadow from the East himself, although it is clear that some of the trees have detected a slight taint upon the wind. It’s also no surprise that he doesn’t put any faith in Theoclea taking up the Crown of Mabh, he has never acknowledged the line of Gwyrnbach, or that he considers there to be no hope in the actions of men, whom he despises. What he has told me is going to need a lot of thought however, for I don’t yet understand the path he has suggested.
Winter
There was very little to discuss at council save for what service Pyrrhus might perform for the covenant. It was agreed that he would prepare some alchemical potions of healing. The remainder of the magi announced their activities would keep them within the covenant over winter.
Towards the end of the season Jari returned, without Terentius who he reported was travelling to Holy Isle. Jari asked for an informal council to be called at which he told us they had found Brother Hadrian, who has indeed turned out to be the treacherous wizard Hadrianus. Their investigations within Hibernia had led them to a lost covenant within that tribunal, located under a mountain within a forest somewhere near a town called Drogheda, and there they had found an apportation point. With the aid of Jari’s intellego spells they identified the sigil of Hadrianus, the sound of church bells, and from there returned to the camp they had established nearby with the intention of heading back to share the news with us. Jari reported that they had left a grog from Glencoghlea covenant there, but when they returned he was missing and using scrying magic they determined that he had been kidnapped by two burly Irishmen, carrying the shilleleaghs that marked them as members of the Sons of Meon (the group that had previously attacked us here at Severn Temple). They swiftly travelled back towards the covenant to try and aid this man but as they drew close they saw the figure of Hadrianus. As Jari told the tale, it seems that this may have been an image rather than the wizard himself, for it sounds like one of Terentius’ arrows passed through the body of the wizard without harming it, but at this point Jari had already fled, recognising that they were badly outmatched. Terentius was not so fortunate however and Jari had initially believed him lost, before they met with each other a few days later upon the beach at which our ship was to retrieve them. Jari did not share the full story with us during the meeting, as he felt it best to relay at the spring council meeting when Terentius was present, but he did share that our sodalis had said that he had been compelled with magic to speak with Hadrianus, being forced to reveal how they had found him and to what end they pursued him. However, it seems that during this conversation Hadrianus claimed that his actions were motivated by a desire to oppose the dark threat from the East, and that he had sought the Crown of Mabh to do so. He then said that he would pursue this matter no more for he had decided to flee beyond the old boundaries of the Order of Hermes for there was surely no chance of defeating what was to come. Jari believes however that it is possible that some other magic may have been cast upon Terentius, which is one of the reasons that our sodalis has travelled to Holy Isle, as well as reporting what they had discovered. The magi there may be able to detect any infernal magic that has been placed upon him. Jari did not speak of the wider investigation they had undertaken, again preferring to wait until the council of Spring, but I suspect that there is more yet to hear.
Branwen’s Private Journal: It was agreed that, given the uncertainty as to whether any further enchantment has been placed upon Terentius, it might be wise to move the Crown once more. There was something of an argument about who should be involved in this activity, with Pyrrhus initially wanting none other than himself to be aware of the hiding place, although he then relented and said that Navius might also know. Apparently he did not wish for either I or Theoclea to be aware of the hiding place on the grounds that our Parma Magica, and indeed our very minds, are weak. He also felt that Jari should be excluded, for despite having told us the tale, perhaps he was also under some infernal geas. Eventually we agreed that Pyrrhus, Navius and Theoclea would agree a new hiding place. Given how important the safety of the Crown is I wasn’t desirous of an overly long battle about this and in truth I suspect if I really pushed the matter one of the others would tell me anyway.
A motion was passed at this informal council that no-one privy to the hiding place of the Crown of Mabh may share that information with any person outside of the council of Severn Temple. I will ensure that this is ratified at the next formal council meeting.
Spring 1318AD
It’s just over ten years since I joined the covenant of Severn Temple, five since I last scribed within this journal, and in truth the years seem to pass ever quicker. It’s something of a relief that I will take my first longevity potion later this year for otherwise I don’t know how there would be enough time to deal with all the matters that we face and still be able to further study the magical arts that are our gifted birthright. At least I have somehow found the hours within which to improve my knowledge of Latin and I trust that you, the reader, will be suitably impressed at what I anticipate will be a recording of events with less crossing through of miswritten passages.
All members of the covenant attended the first council of the year, although the mood of Terentius remained grim following the death of his familiar in the town of Bridgewater. It was clear enough that our sodalis fully intended to pursue his revenge this season, although after some time we were at least able to persuade him that to journey there alone with no plan beyond attacking anything infernal that he could find was perhaps not the wisest course of action, particularly as with the death of Meliorax he has lost his ability to see those spirits that can remain hidden from mundane vision. Jari, with the remarkable insight that he so often demonstrates, speculated that the demon was most likely to be found within the infernal regio beneath the castle. Sadly, on the more difficult questions as to whether this was the same entity that haunted the nearby woods, and whether the man that Terentius had encountered within the regio was truly the real Baron, he was unable to proffer any greater revelation than the rest of us. Theoclea said that the Baron had last been seen at court several years ago prior to the King’s invasion of Ireland. She also suggested that it would be worth notifying the King in advance of any journey to Bridgewater, in the ever so unlikely event that Terentius ended up drawing attention to himself in some way and got himself into more trouble so soon after last year’s tribunal decisions. Terentius wasn’t that enthusiastic about that, but Naevius persuaded him to accept a council vote on the matter and with the exception of our Tremere all agreed that such a message should be relayed by Theoclea, who was planning to spend the season at court anyway. Given that his House seems to be happy to spend a great deal of time in the company of the King I don’t think his reluctance was down to any concerns about sharing our business with the temporal authorities of England but rather his dour and fatalistic mood, and perhaps a smattering of the overconfidence that he has in his own ability. He was also clear that he would prefer to undertake the task alone but was again persuaded to listen to his sodales and eventually agreed that Pyrrhus could accompany him. While I would normally consider such a decision to be foolhardy beyond belief, given the Flambeau magus’ obvious lack of wit and untrustworthy nature, the truth is the rest of us probably wouldn’t be of huge value facing such infernal threats. I did at one point offer to accompany him myself, given that I at least might be able to see a hidden infernal spirit, but it was an offer he declined, and given how swiftly things went wrong last season I can’t say I was overwhelmingly upset about being deemed surplus to requirements. It was agreed that he would stay his vengeance until Theoclea had been given sufficient time to speak with the King, and to allow Pyrrhus to take the ship for a short visit to Cliffheart covenant. Unsurprisingly he wasn’t forthcoming about why he needed to make such a journey, but I’ll warrant it’s to let them know about Stonehenge’s censure of their murderous actions at Crannagh Tomb. Treacherous lickspittle!
The council also discussed the news from the Tegid Foel that among the fae there are those considering fleeing to Arcadia due to the threat from the East. Jari and I suggested that we might try and speak with some of the Fae powers to learn what they know of this shadow and the council agreed that this would be a useful service to the covenant. We plan to visit Llyr first and, if we have time, to travel on to see Gofannon.
Naevius then apologised that the distribution of vis for services last year would be slim, given that we have tithes, trade deals and Terentius’ fine to settle, before granting 4 pawns for each season; I wonder what Deanna would make of such a sum being considered a poor reward. Our Princeps will extract vim vis this season to replenish something of our supplies.
***
While the careful reader of this journal will know that the flow of time can pass strangely to those who travel within deep regios I am glad to record that myself and Jari have returned from both the faerie courts of water and stone with near three weeks still remaining of the season. There is a little reading I want to do to see if there are any further insights I can gather from our travels but there is a bit of a spring squall today, so this seems as good a time as any to make a record of the trip. Just before dawn on the day following our council and the raising of the Aegis of the Hearth, Jari, myself, his familiar Races the Wind and his faerie fox companion Eanfled, made our way to the spring that lies just beyond the covenant bounds. There he incanted his words of power and summoned forth from the waters the spirit of that place, the Lladra. There he treated long with her, striking a bargain that she would bear us unmolested to and from the court of King Llyr in exchange for which he would on six occasions attend the pagan festivities that some of our turb perform at the spring, to add his voice and music to the celebration.
Scrawled in Ogham in the Journal margin - I hope that Jari appreciates how impressive I’ve made this sound.
With the deal struck we were swiftly transported away, a strange, but not unpleasant, sensation of being surrounded by rushing water with dappled light illuminating the way. We arrived in a strange underwater world with a vast gatehouse that opened to reveal the faerie court of the summer waters. We were met by Lady Nimuȅ, who contrary to the picture I had formed of her in my mind was a very fair elf maiden with long silver hair and wearing a beautiful gown of dark blue and green. I did not forget how dangerous she could be however and both myself and Jari declined her offer of food and drink after our journey. She led us to meet Llyr, although by that time we had lost both of Jari’s animal companions who seemed to have started some frenzied chasing game around the court, something to do with Races the Wind’s nature in the early spring months I understand. She led us into a great hall with tall columns upon which were extremely fine carvings of underwater scenes, where she took a seat to the left of the throne upon which King Llyr sat. On his right sat a pale, slender man, who Jari informed me was a faerie that had taken something of the nature of the former magus of our covenant, Tiarnan. The King said he knew why we had come, for he recognised the threat that was coming from the east, heralded by a taint within the water which spoke of the shadow that followed. Tiarnan said that the shadow was born of an infernal power raised by a corrupt spirit and that when it arrived even those who count themselves among the undying faced a grave future. The King asked Nimuȅ what she could say of hope and her response was grim, for while Gofannon and Nynniaw both placed faith upon the girl (Theoclea, for anyone reading who lacks wit) she did not believe her taking her position as Queen would be enough. She said that the shadow has been sent to destroy all faerie and magic to be found in the world, and all those who practice such will meet their end. Llyr then said that he believed that his choice was between giving up this court of Summer, retreating to the deep seas of his winter court, or taking leave of the world entirely and returning beyond the silver gate. He then said that there were places there where those of our kind might make a home and that if we wished we might leave with him. Jari, to his credit, said that he believed that there was still hope and Tiarnan said that maybe he was right but that he could not see a path, for the instigator was beyond the reach of the fae. He speculated that perhaps we would need to pass under the influence of the shadow, but he said that he did not believe our magic would offer us any protection and felt that opposing such a power was beyond the endeavour of wizards. Llyr told us not to seek any aid from the Shining One for the hands of fate are what they are and any price charged would be greater than could be borne. With that cheery note it was clear that our audience was at an end, and we were returned back to the covenant by the Lladra once more.
As that first part of the journey had taken us only about a month we swiftly made our way into the faerie regio that lies close to the covenant as the first step on the path to see Gofannon, this time bringing additional companions with us in the form of my consors Gwendolyn and a grog named Jessop. While I couldn’t see the path that he followed, Jari assured me that there was one, which he called a trod, that would take us straight to Gofynwy’s cave. Despite the long periods I have spent travelling the Dean I have barely ventured into this regio, and it was interesting to see the differences between the wild wood which lies under the Green Man’s protection and this one. It is still a wild and magical place but the tenor is very different, and as we walked we espied from a distance the strange creatures called Bwbachod, whose countenance reminded me in some ways of something of Magus Llandoddwyn. Jari led us to a steep staircase running up the side of a cliff and as we drew closer to the top we could hear the sound of hammering, which drew to a close as we took the final steps. There we were met by the faerie stonesmith, Gofynwy, who greeted us warmly. Like Llyr he seemed to know something of why we had come, and he said that he had heard the earth screaming. He agreed to lead us to Gofannon’s court without any price charged and we followed him through his workshop to a great underground canyon. Several previous authors within this journal have spoken of the route to Gofannon’s cave, but the written word can not do justice to just how unnerving it is to sit upon the back of a stone faerie while he crosses a seemingly bottomless crevasse supported only by a long strand of silver thread. His footing was sure, and I never felt in any danger, but nevertheless it isn’t something I think I would want to do on a regular basis.
We descended through what felt like miles of twisting tunnels, being joined on the way by diminutive and seemingly crudely hewn stone figures, before arriving within the great cavern at the heart of the mountain. While I do not share some of the previous magi of our covenant’s fascination with delving into the underground, I cannot deny that it was an impressive sight; great stalactites containing quartz and crystal that glow as if lit from within stretching up to meet stalagmites whose shape bears more than a passing resemblance to the limbs and forms of men, surrounding a pool of still metallic water and a large stone throne covered with intricate designs. From that pool emerged the alabaster form of the King of the Undermountain, his features seemingly perfectly symmetrical though with his sharp teeth and dark eyes not a little intimidating, and upon his brow a crown that reflected perfectly the surroundings as he passed. Much as before he started by saying that he knew why we had come to his court and he and Jari began to discuss the threat. Hearing the warnings we had already received he stated that he believed that Nimuȅ holds too great a sway over King Llyr and that due to his nature the Tegid Foel sees only darkness and terror. He did not believe that we were without hope in the face of the threat from the East but made it plain that he does not believe it is something that the power of wizards alone can contest. He spoke plainly of the need for Theoclea to take the Crown of Mabh and claim her birthright but said that even this would not be enough for that is not sufficient to raise the power of the land, and unlike her aunt she had not been trained in how to do so. This power, he said, had been cast into ancient treasures which in the right hands could be wielded and used for either good or ill. He claimed that he knew where some might be found but would not share such knowledge unless Theoclea took the crown, and that this was something that she had to do for the right reasons and not because she was motivated by fear. He said that he had spoken with Nynniaw, who like himself had hope, and said he would seek to speak with Llyr and convince him not to abandon this realm. With that he bade us farewell and we undertook the long journey whence we had come, leading us to the point at which I commenced recording these events.
Branwen’s private journal: Both Gofynwy and Gofannon greeted me by saying that they recognised me but did not know my name, something that I can only attribute to the mark of the Crann Bethadh that I bear. Curiously on the return journey Jari pointed out to me that as we passed them the Bwbachod bowed in our direction and said that this had been the same as journeyed within. I ended up sharing a little more of what I knew about the Crann Bethadh with him, for while I have mentioned it before I have not sought to draw attention to what I know, and of all my sodales I find that I trust Jari the most, despite his obvious personality flaws. I think that it might be interesting when we return to these woods to speak with the Nynniaw.
While we have been gone the potential spymaster that Borri Tor appears to want a small fortune for has arrived at the covenant. I’m sure that Jari and Terentius will be well placed to determine whether he is worth even a fraction of his supposed value.
***
Well, I finally think I have pieced together enough of what happened at Bridgewater this season to have a stab at telling the tale. Obviously, this is largely what I have learned from Terentius, as I am trying to avoid spending too much time in the vicinity of Pyrrhus, but hopefully it’s a broadly accurate representation. It seems that at the start of the season, while I was off travelling with Jari in the court of water, Terentius had managed to recruit Magus Daedelus to assist with the mission, though I’m a little unclear as to whether it was my sodales or the Tremere from Blackthorn who instigated the arrangement. Nevertheless, it was about a fortnight into the season when the two of them, accompanied by Pyrrhus, made their way to Bridgewater. They had taken a barge with them and identified a point alongside the river where they could reasonably camouflage its presence, and close to a point where they could set a camp and make some observation of what was occurring in the town. After a few days they finalised their plan and at night Terentius and Pyrrhus made their way into the town under the cover of invisibility magics. They saw three of the mercenaries in the employ of the ‘Baron’ in the marketplace but they were able to make their way through the backstreets and reach the walls of the castle. Using magic they entered the grounds and were able to render asleep the mercenary who had previously been injured by Terentius, and who now guarded the door into the keep. Using a prearranged signal Daedelus joined them, for he had been flying under the cover of invisibility in the vicinity. Within the keep they saw the ‘Baron’ in the great hall but Terentius and Pyrrhus were able to pass undetected and make their way to the cellars where the regio lay. They were joined shortly by Daedelus but he reported that he did not think he had been as fortunate and may have been spotted. Hearing footsteps from up above Terentius quickly cast the spell Sense the Elusive Boundary and leading the others passed into the infernal regio. It was pitch dark within but Daedelus swiftly erected a ward against the infernal and Pyrrhus summoned a light to fill the room. They could see the walls and floor covered with congealed blood and observed dark, wispy tendrils like smoke that quickly dissipated as they were illuminated. Almost immediately they espied at the back of the room a demon covered with gore and entrails, standing to about the height of a short man, with long, spindly limbs and a skull like face with mandibles like needles. Battle swiftly commenced, Terensius firing an arrow to which he had tethered the spell Demon’s Eternal Oblivion and Pyrrhus launching a bolt of lightning. Both missed initially but Daedelus also cast the Demon’s Eternal Oblivion which struck the creature and drove it backwards towards three cells. They followed and Terentius fired true the second time and the creature was destroyed. Within one of the cells they were able to find the real Baron Cecil, though he was chained with manacles of a strange black metal on both wrists and one leg, marked with occult symbols. Forcing their way into the cell they examined the restraints and Daedelus suggested that the markings might be the sigil of a demon, acting as some form of curse. Terentius attempted to reduce the size of the Baron so that he might be freed but his magic was turned back against him, his Parma Magica sufficient to avoid any ill outcome. Using the spell Rock to Viscid Clay they were able to prize the manacles from the wall and then used the enchantment Rend the Magic Veil to open a passage back to the mundane level of the dungeon. Alas, as Pyrrhus stepped through he was assailed by four men, two armed with crossbows and two with melee weapons. While he quickly activated a magical device to ward against the blows of metal weapons it seems that it was ineffective against the arms these men bore and he was quickly beaten unconscious. As this happened Daedelus was able to cast a spell of his own and drive three of them away in fear before dealing with the final one through exerting control over his body. Quickly the rest passed through the mystic veil and locking the door bought themselves sufficient time to hack the manacles from the Baron and then through potions and spells apported away from that place, with a potion being forced down the throat of the still unconscious Pyrrhus. At some point during these events I understand that Terentius was able to recover the body of his familiar but he did not speak in any detail as to the circumstances of that matter and I have not pressed for the tale. It is clear that the loss still weighs heavy on my sodalis. I intend to take such a bond myself in years to come but I will not quickly forget how I have seen the heavy burden that this might place upon myself.
All were able to return to the covenant, save for Pyrrhus who did not return to his sanctum as expected. It later turned out that he had somehow apported back to the village of his birth in Wales. On regaining consciousness, he apparently journeyed to Holy Isle and from there to Bangor. Eventually he found a ship which returned him to the region of the covenant, though not before he was delayed in the port of Aberystwyth for some time by a severe storm.
Scrawled in Ogham in the Journal margin – Imagine how I feel to discover that Pyrrhus also heralds from the land of my birth. Alas that he did not perish on his return journey.
After Baron Cecil had been tended for his wounds and provided some sustenance to recover something of his strength, he and Terentius were able to speak. Terentius revealed that he was a member of the Hermetic Order of Scholars but asked that the Baron did not reveal what he had seen during his rescue. It sounds like the Baron was not entirely committed to honouring this request, something to do with honesty to his liege, but he did at least tell our sodalis the story of what had befallen him. He relayed that he had not expected to rise to the position of Baron, but after his cousin disappeared without having fathered a child he was elevated to the title. He was aware that there were rumours that his cousin had been in league with the King’s enemies but taking occupation of the castle all seemed well for the first years. After a time though he began to have troubled dreams, recalling only that in them someone had entered his room and pierced his arm as if bleeding him with a needle. He might have ignored this but when his wife fell pregnant, she too started to report the same dream and fearing that something was happening he placed guards at her door and a maid-in-waiting within her chamber. Still she reported such dreams though and as she came close to term she became stressed and paranoid, suffering from a severe shortage of sleep. Typical man, but he dismissed her concerns for had he not sought evidence of wrongdoing and found none. He said that he had been persuaded that it was nought but the common anxiety of a new mother. Even when his child died shortly after birth, a body bearing fragile skin that had the appearance of sun beaten parchment, as if all life had been drained from it, again he denied his wife’s concerns that some creature was visiting her at night. She died one week later, her skin pale and thin like their dead child.
In the weeks leading up to these events there had been reports of an increase in criminal activity within the town and the Baron had sent his Serjeant-at-Arms to make investigation. Between the death of his child and his wife, the Baron’s Captain of the Guard also died and this Serjeant-at-Arms suggested employing some additional men for support, saying he knew of some suitable candidates. The Baron refused, perhaps sensing that something was amiss – though too late for his wife of course. With her death he finally became convinced that something was amiss within his court and confided his suspicions with his steward, who had been a long serving man. Alas for him, he had chosen the wrong man to relate his fears to and that very night he was drugged and awoke in absolute darkness. He was not aware of how long he had been missing and was shocked to learn it was more than three years since he had been seen by any save those in his court. Of he and Terentius’ first meeting in that dark place he reported that he heard a voice in the darkness that told him what to say. It was not the first time he had heard it for the harsh voice of the demon had long tormented him as to the fate of his wife and child and how he had been replaced so another now ruled his court. Cecil also told Terentius that the Maid-in-Waiting who should have protected his wife had been appointed by the steward who betrayed him and that he had been advised that there was poor hunting in the nearby woods so he should find his sport in other places.
On hearing the Baron’s tale Terentius sent a message to Theoclea and with five weeks of Summer remaining she returned to the covenant where they agreed that she should take the Baron to court to have him formally acknowledged. Prior to that however, Terentius has returned to Bridgewater, disguised I am told as a farm labourer, where he plans to make an assay on what was happening.
***
About a week after Jari and I had returned to the covenant an informal council meeting was called to which all the magi here attended. Terentius reported from Bridgewater that to his surprise there was no great change within the town, with the false Baron reportedly still in the castle and his mercenaries still to be seen in the town. He did discover that the steward had not been seen since shortly after the death of the Baron’s wife and he and Theoclea surmised that he might well be the one who had taken the Baron’s role, for he would know enough to pass himself off as a noble. He had also learned that heavy taxes were being levied and their suspicion was that they might be seeking to siphon funds in advance of fleeing the town. Therefore Terentius planned to keep watch on the town and if the false Baron sought to escape he would try and end his evil. Once again Pyrrhus agreed to accompany him and Jari agreed to spend his remaining time watching the town using arcane connections (though in truth I am not sure whether these were ever provided to him. There was also a plan to plant some clipped coins in the taxes in order to track anyone who fled but I think the events that I am about to relate overtook that. Or we just forgot). The watch was placed not a moment too soon for after just two nights spent watching the nearby dock Terentius espied a wagon and several figures approaching at night and lanterns being used to signal between that group and one of the barges. Pausing only to alert Pyrrhus, Terentius immediately apported from the far bank where they had been watching to the docks. As he arrived he immediately attacked a hooded figure who appeared to be in the lead of the group. The man moved with preternatural speed but as he did so his hood fell back and Terentius could see that while half his face bore the guise of the Baron the other half was misshapen and appeared a little like melting wax. Pyrrhus flew across to join him, though he was briefly attacked in the air, presumably by the demon that had initially felled Meliorax last season. He was not waylaid for any time however and the two magi then brought ruinous destruction on their foes, slaying as I understand it seven people. It doesn’t sound like it was subtle but it seems there were no survivors, and it was beyond the site of the town so we are unlikely to hear reports of magic from mundane society. The wagon contained the fruits of the looting that the diabolists had been undertaking, though our sodales did not have sufficient time to recover this. They did however collect a number of legal documents and the Baron’s signet ring, and the head of the fake Baron was removed and destroyed. Theoclea will undertake the necessary arrangements to ensure that mundane matters are dealt with and overall this must be considered a successful conclusion to a dangerous and difficult affair. While it is clear that Terentius still grieves his loss I did detect a hint of a smile as he relayed the tale of the battle so perhaps we can hope that his recent dark mood will pass in time.
Summer
Theoclea opened our council by informing us that Baron Cecil will shortly be restored to Bridgewater. It will be reported that the steward falsely imprisoned the Baron who has now made his escape and dealt with the usurpers. While the bodies were found the treasure has not – I’ll warrant that some local peasant or bargeman is going to be trying to work out how to explain their newfound wealth. Our remaining concern regarding Bridgewater is whether there is anything still in the forest. We will place some agents in the town, as no doubt will the crown, and with the Baron somewhat in our debt I imagine it is likely that Terentius will go wandering down there at some point in the not-so-distant future.
We spoke a little of what Jari and I had learned during spring and we agreed that it would be worthwhile to continue to seek the views of the fae and pagan spirits for while there are many similarities in their tales there are also differences which might reveal something to us. We also agreed that we should speak with those who may have some contacts within the Eastern Order to see if any reports have emerged closer to the source of the shadow.
Jari and Terentius confirmed their intention to travel to Hibernia in Autumn and to that end are finishing the creation of spells that they have been working on in preparation. I should record that there was a request that Pyrrhus create some potions of the Seven League Stride as a service to support their journey, but he was unwilling as he deemed it more important that he learn the Swift Swordsman’s Arm from our library. I feared that an argument might ensue, but as it was Naevius volunteered to undertake a second season’s service and craft the potions himself, so alas not. Jari seems a little cautious about the journey, primarily due to the English invasion, but reported that they would start by visiting Glencoghlea covenant.
With regard to the possible new spymaster, who I understand is called Stephan, Terentius and Jari have agreed to set him two tests to determine whether we should spend 5000 silver pennies on his recruitment. In case you are worried that my recent improvements in Latin have met their limitation I will confirm that I did mean to write 5000 silver pennies. He has been given two seasons to improve the communication paths between our agents and to see if anyone gifted can be found within the Dean.
***
I have had a most pleasant season in the north of England, assisting Deanna as she crafted my longevity potion. I am happy to say that it looks like I will still have some time to study the magical arts after all, assuming I do not fall prey to some mishap and that a solution can be found to the impending doom from the East.
It appears that the season passed largely uneventfully. There was however a visit from Gaines who brought a little news to the covenant, and I shall try and contain my anger as I record this. He reported that a Scottish noble called Edwards de Brus travelled with an army to Ireland and fought a battle with the English near a place called Coleraine in the north east of that Isle. It seems that he lost. Badly. He, and the small number of his men who survived, are now travelling around Ireland looking to recruit others to fight against Theoclea’s brother. He also reported that Primus Aleuitius of House Flambeau has declared himself Praeco of Hibernia and has called for a meeting of the tribunal at Cliffheart next Summer. There a case will be heard against Pravia, Tiberius and Ereman of this tribunal who he has charged as being court wizards to the English King while within the bounds of the Hibernian tribunal.
I understand that after Gaines left the council chamber there was a discussion in which Pyrrhus confirmed my suspicion that he was sharing news from our redcaps and tribunal with the magi of Cliffheart. More significantly it was revealed, in what I imagine must have been a quite animated discussion, that Pyrrhus had specifically been asking questions about the three wizards who have had charge raised against them. In case anyone one reading is trying to work out why I might be so angry about a Scottish army battling an English one let me be clear that it is my sodalis’ continuing betrayals that have left me so upset. It is not enough that he has at the very least sided with those involved in murdering members of my House on the most flimsy of pretexts, if he was not directly involved himself, but now he seeks to create friction between the Stonehenge and Hibernian tribunals at a time when he knows full well there are significant threats coming our way. I am told that he exhibited no guilt or remorse about his actions and that he is indeed attending the tribunal himself – he claims as a guest though it must surely be as a witness to confirm what he has reported. Quite rightly both Terentius and Theoclea have suggested they will no longer speak so freely at council when Pyrrhus is present – I confirm here that I am of the same mind. At the start of the charter of this covenant it says, ‘In a spirit of fraternity with my sodales I shall seek to act for the benefit of this covenant and those who make their home here.’ I shall leave those reading to consider what has been reported about Magus Pyrrhus this season, and in previous years, and whether he lives up to those noble ideals.
Branwen’s private journal: On reflection I think I might have laid it on a bit thick in the journal. Don’t get me wrong – he is a dangerous and foolish man and the covenant, and frankly the world, would be a better place without him – but that really was a bit sanctimonious and more than a little hypocritical. Still, I’m not going to cross it out after having made such a to do about my writing at the start of the year. I’ll try and put across my point more succinctly next season.
Autumn
The council met and we agreed our season’s activities.
Branwen’s private journal: Well, that was a fairly tedious council meeting. Unsurprisingly there was still some ill feeling about Pyrrhus’ actions, with Jari surprisingly being the one to try and reach some kind of resolution. I share his concerns that if we can’t discuss things freely at council then it’s going to make matters more difficult but it seems clear that Naevius isn’t willing to limit Pyrrhus’ attendance at council and I can’t see that we can ensure the effectiveness of any voluntary restriction Pyrrhus might lay upon himself given that he can’t be trusted.
***
Jari and Terentius returned safely from their expedition to Hibernia.
Branwen’s private journal: I think I’d better wait until next season’s council to determine what I record of Jari and Terentius’ journey to Hibernia in the journal. They may not want to report all the details in front of Pyrrhus.
My own season passed satisfactorily.
Branwen’s private journal: The trip to the Heart of the Forest proved very interesting. It’s perhaps not entirely surprising that the Green Man hadn’t sensed the shadow from the East himself, although it is clear that some of the trees have detected a slight taint upon the wind. It’s also no surprise that he doesn’t put any faith in Theoclea taking up the Crown of Mabh, he has never acknowledged the line of Gwyrnbach, or that he considers there to be no hope in the actions of men, whom he despises. What he has told me is going to need a lot of thought however, for I don’t yet understand the path he has suggested.
***
Just before the end of the season we received a message that Terentius and Jari would be remaining within Hibernia for another season.
Branwen’s private journal: Terentius had sent us a note via our ship to inform us that the trail they were following had proved fruitful and that they were pursuing their quarry, believing that Brother Hadrian was currently in the east of that Tribunal. Rather forebodingly Terentius finished his note with an exhortation that we ‘be not alarmed’ – I wonder if once again he is being a little bolder than might be wise.
My own season passed satisfactorily.
Branwen’s private journal: The trip to the Heart of the Forest proved very interesting. It’s perhaps not entirely surprising that the Green Man hadn’t sensed the shadow from the East himself, although it is clear that some of the trees have detected a slight taint upon the wind. It’s also no surprise that he doesn’t put any faith in Theoclea taking up the Crown of Mabh, he has never acknowledged the line of Gwyrnbach, or that he considers there to be no hope in the actions of men, whom he despises. What he has told me is going to need a lot of thought however, for I don’t yet understand the path he has suggested.
Winter
There was very little to discuss at council save for what service Pyrrhus might perform for the covenant. It was agreed that he would prepare some alchemical potions of healing. The remainder of the magi announced their activities would keep them within the covenant over winter.
Towards the end of the season Jari returned, without Terentius who he reported was travelling to Holy Isle. Jari asked for an informal council to be called at which he told us they had found Brother Hadrian, who has indeed turned out to be the treacherous wizard Hadrianus. Their investigations within Hibernia had led them to a lost covenant within that tribunal, located under a mountain within a forest somewhere near a town called Drogheda, and there they had found an apportation point. With the aid of Jari’s intellego spells they identified the sigil of Hadrianus, the sound of church bells, and from there returned to the camp they had established nearby with the intention of heading back to share the news with us. Jari reported that they had left a grog from Glencoghlea covenant there, but when they returned he was missing and using scrying magic they determined that he had been kidnapped by two burly Irishmen, carrying the shilleleaghs that marked them as members of the Sons of Meon (the group that had previously attacked us here at Severn Temple). They swiftly travelled back towards the covenant to try and aid this man but as they drew close they saw the figure of Hadrianus. As Jari told the tale, it seems that this may have been an image rather than the wizard himself, for it sounds like one of Terentius’ arrows passed through the body of the wizard without harming it, but at this point Jari had already fled, recognising that they were badly outmatched. Terentius was not so fortunate however and Jari had initially believed him lost, before they met with each other a few days later upon the beach at which our ship was to retrieve them. Jari did not share the full story with us during the meeting, as he felt it best to relay at the spring council meeting when Terentius was present, but he did share that our sodalis had said that he had been compelled with magic to speak with Hadrianus, being forced to reveal how they had found him and to what end they pursued him. However, it seems that during this conversation Hadrianus claimed that his actions were motivated by a desire to oppose the dark threat from the East, and that he had sought the Crown of Mabh to do so. He then said that he would pursue this matter no more for he had decided to flee beyond the old boundaries of the Order of Hermes for there was surely no chance of defeating what was to come. Jari believes however that it is possible that some other magic may have been cast upon Terentius, which is one of the reasons that our sodalis has travelled to Holy Isle, as well as reporting what they had discovered. The magi there may be able to detect any infernal magic that has been placed upon him. Jari did not speak of the wider investigation they had undertaken, again preferring to wait until the council of Spring, but I suspect that there is more yet to hear.
Branwen’s Private Journal: It was agreed that, given the uncertainty as to whether any further enchantment has been placed upon Terentius, it might be wise to move the Crown once more. There was something of an argument about who should be involved in this activity, with Pyrrhus initially wanting none other than himself to be aware of the hiding place, although he then relented and said that Navius might also know. Apparently he did not wish for either I or Theoclea to be aware of the hiding place on the grounds that our Parma Magica, and indeed our very minds, are weak. He also felt that Jari should be excluded, for despite having told us the tale, perhaps he was also under some infernal geas. Eventually we agreed that Pyrrhus, Navius and Theoclea would agree a new hiding place. Given how important the safety of the Crown is I wasn’t desirous of an overly long battle about this and in truth I suspect if I really pushed the matter one of the others would tell me anyway.
A motion was passed at this informal council that no-one privy to the hiding place of the Crown of Mabh may share that information with any person outside of the council of Severn Temple. I will ensure that this is ratified at the next formal council meeting.